Artist's Bio
Born and raised in rural upstate New York, Ted has received degrees from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (MFA 1998), Utah State University (BFA 1995), and Brigham Young University Idaho (AAS 1991). After graduate school Ted taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He moved back to Logan Utah in 2001 to take the position of technology instructor and studio coordinator for the ceramics area at Utah State University. (2001 – 2006) His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions including: NCECA Clay National Columbus, OH, Mastery in Clay The Clay Studio Philadelphia, PA, Forms and Shapes: The Useful Teapot AKAR Gallery Iowa City, IA, Mineralogy and Metallurgy: The Multi-media Ceramic Vessel University of Louisville, Louisville KY. Ted is currently a studio artist and Assistant Professor of Ceramics and area head in the Art Department of Ball State University in Muncie Indiana.

Artist's Statement
All aspects of ceramics intrigue me and my journey to discover its secrets seems endless. I am often of two minds and get lost in the history that encompasses both utilitarian and sculptural forms. I vacillate between the importance of usefulness and my need for expression with each form that I pursue.

In all of the work one constant is my use of the vessel as a framework upon which to hang concepts of utility and self-expression. Specifically, my utilitarian work is most satisfactory when a single object occupies space as both a useful object and one that also embodies loftier ideas such as beauty, connectedness and shared kinesthetic experiences.

The concept of pure function is to me a misnomer, and I challenge the notion than any object can really fit this description. If I envision the work as a truly useful object then it can really only be complete when it is employed in that role daily. It is my hope that the object is not passive, but participates by elevating awareness during the experience.