The Upstate New York Ceramics Invitational at Main Street Arts will feature functional and sculptural ceramic work by 13 artists from the region. This invitational represents some of the most exciting contemporary ceramic work being made in upstate New York.
The exhibition will be held July 11–August 29, 2015.
Online purchasing will begin in mid-July.
Michael Hughes
Q: Where are you from originally and where are you now?
A: I am originally from Rochester but have relocated to Syracuse by way of Chicago, Taiwan and Seattle.
Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a ceramic artist?
A: I first took a ceramics class as an elective in college. I was a bio major but eventually switched to ceramics.
Q: Did you make other types of artwork before finding ceramics? Do you currently make other work?
A: I have done a little painting but ceramics has always been my primary interest.
Q: Do you have an artistic hero or an artist you look up to?
A: There are many artists I admire but not one in particular.
Q: What is your largest source of inspiration?
A: Simplicity always inspires me whether it is from art and design or from nature.
Q: Do you look forward to opening the kiln? Or do you wince at the thought of something going wrong in there?
A: I do look forward to opening the kiln but I am always aware of how things can change from my expectations.
Q: What is it like being a ceramic artist in Upstate NY?
A: I like being an artist in upstate NY but I miss the diversity of bigger cities. And it has been freezing for the past few weeks so I like it better in the spring and fall.
Q: Where else are you showing your work this summer or fall?
A: I am limiting my showing this summer as I have a couple other projects I am working on. Fall is still undecided.
Q: Is there anything strange or unique that people might not know about you?
A: I don’t know if it is very unique but along with ceramics I also have a great deal of personal experience working with people with developmental disabilities. And yeah there are a couple of strange things about me… The book will be out on that soon.
Check out the previous Q & A with ceramic artist Bryan Hopkins.
