Red Lodge Clay Center – Short-Term Resident (ASPN) 2025
Aaron Eskridge is a recent graduate with a B.F.A. in Ceramics from the University of Texas at El Paso. He grew up between El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, which has deeply influenced his work. Specializing in both sculptural and functional ceramics, Aaron creates highly detailed pieces that reflect his Chicano heritage and the environment that shaped him. Passionate about exploring themes of identity and culture, he uses his craft to express these personal experiences. Aaron is currently seeking internships and residencies to further refine his artistic practice and aspires to build a career as both a professional artist and university educator.
As a Mexican artist with roots in El Paso and Juarez, my creative journey is deeply intertwined with Chicano culture. Through my work in functional and sculptural ceramics, I endeavor to share narratives that reflect the richness of my heritage and the diverse influences of Western living, spanning urban and rural landscapes. My art reflects my cultural identity, drawing inspiration from Chicano traditions that honor familial bonds and Mexican heritage. I incorporate symbols like rosaries and other artistic motifs, infusing each piece with layers of meaning drawn from my community’s collective experiences—embracing the vibrancy of urban life, the rhythmic beats of rap and hip hop, and the rustic charm of ranch living along the border. Influenced by iconic figures in music, cinema, and art, such as A$AP Rocky, Isaiah Rashad, and The Strokes, I explore the fusion of materials and styles, infusing my creations with the diverse flair of these idols. Whether inspired by fantastical dreams or grounded in everyday realities, each piece becomes a canvas for countless thoughts and ideas, corresponding to inscribed notes or carved scenes unfolding on the surface. With a meticulous eye for detail and storytelling, I sculpt my pieces with precision, using the form and texture of clay as a medium to evoke intricate narratives. Each composition begins with a blank canvas, gradually transformed through carving and shaping until it resonates with a sense of completeness, enveloping the viewer in a multifaceted tale that unfolds from every angle.