Quinn Maher grew up in the Pacific Northwest near Seattle Washington. He has been working primarily in clay for the past 15 years making utilitarian pots. Early in his career he spent time working in Snowmass Colorado, at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, here he discovered a passion for clay, community and IPA’s. He left Colorado to pursue a Master of Fine Arts from Utah State University and currently has been teaching at Morehead State as an Instructor of Art in Ceramics for the past 4 years. His work is represented and exhibited around the nation. Currently, his interests include researching and utilizing local clays and materials as well as studying the effects the cooling process has on the surface of soda fired and gas fired wares.
I work to create objects that can exist quietly and confidently until they are brought into service. Through simple forms and subtle surfaces, I want to encourage a slower, more mindful engagement with everyday objects. For me, the clay is just as important as the forms I create; I utilize locally sourced clay and aim to allow the natural character of the material to remain at the forefront. I embrace its variation, its responsiveness, and its imperfections. Each piece carries the evidence of time, inherent in forming and firing. Tools are used to comb or texture the surface, intended to expose the raw qualities of the clay and create an uneven landscape in which to add slip and glaze.
Nature serves as a constant well of inspiration. I am intrigued by the surfaces and textures that take place when water affects the landscape, and the patterns and colors produced by the erosion that occurs during the changing seasons. My work, through functional ceramics, seeks to explore these natural occurrences. Through the experimentation of different firing methods, I see my work continually evolve to meet this aesthetic. I hope that in using my vessels, one finds a sense of connection- to the material, the process, and to the moment.