Bio and Artist Statement
ARTIST STATEMENT:
I make ceramic pieces rich in imagery, pattern and texture. After forming, I paint underglaze colors and etch into the clay in a process that results in the look and feel of woodcut designs. Whether on the wall or on the table, my pieces invite a closer look and bring a sense of discovery and delight.
NARRATIVE BIO:
Patricia Griffin is a ceramic artist living and working in Cambria on the central coast of California.
Previously focused on making functional pieces, Patricia’s recent work has moved from the tabletop to the wall with site-specific ceramic sculpture for public and private spaces.
Patricia had her own public studio/gallery for many years, and now works from her home-based studio utilizing using solar, clay reclaim, and water conservation methods. She also is a certified California naturalist, and her interest in nature is reflected in her work.
Her work has been included in many group exhibitions and invitationals in the U.S., and she had a solo show in 2017 at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. She has been featured in Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Makers Illustrated and Professional Artist Magazine. Her work is included in the book Ceramics – Profiles of Potters and Artisans, and the special exhibit and catalogue for Living with Clay: California Ceramics Collections.
RESUME:
Studio and Gallery Owner:
Patricia Griffin Studio: 2019 - current, Cambria, Ca
Home-based studio using “green” methods to create a more environmentally sound and sustainable practice.
I owned and operated a brick-and-mortar studio and gallery space from 2007-2019 in Cambria, Ca. There, I created my pottery, engaged visitors, held workshops and managed the day-to-day operations of the business.
Featured in:
- Calendar - International Ceramic Artists Network - 2021
- Ceramics - Profiles of Potters and Artisans - 2020
- Pottery Making Illustration, July-August 2020
- Ceramics Monthly, Feb. 2016
- Professional Artist Magazine, Jan. 2015
- Humor in Craft, Crafthouse Publications, 2012
Shows and Invitationals:
-
Living with Clay: California Ceramics Collections – 2018
Included in collection of Richard and Judy Jacobs @
Nicholas and Lee Begovic Gallery – CSUB Fullerton -
Patricia Griffin: Solo Show – 2017
Patricia Griffin Ceramics @ San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
San Luis Obispo, Ca -
National Niche Finalist – 2014
American Made Show • Washington, DC -
Clay & Glass National Show – 2013
Association of Clay and Glass • Brea, Ca -
Small Favors – 2013
The Clay Studio • Philadelphia, Pa -
Eight from ACGA – 2013
Davis Art Center • Davis, Ca -
Potters Fest – 2013-14
Orcas Island, Eastsound, WA -
Teabowl National – 2011-12
KC Glay Guild • Kansas City, MO -
Ink & Clay – 2011-12
Kellogg University Art Gallery, Cal Poly, Pomona -
Dining In: An Artful Experience – 2011
18 Hands Gallery, Houston, Tx
Talks/Podcasts/Demonstrations:
- Ventura County Potters Guild - Zoom presentation - Aug, 2022
- Visiting Lecture - Zoom - Dept. of Art, Bridgewater State University - March, 2022
- Art Biz Podcast/Alyson Stanfield - Increasing Art Sales - Aug, 2021
- Cambria Center for the Arts - art talk and demonstration - 2018
- Visiting Artist Workshop - Allan Hancock College - 2014
- The Potters Cast - 2014
Community Projects:
As an active member of the art and business community, I have created and participated in many projects designed to engage others in art-making and/or call attention to a cause. Several examples:
1. Invasive Beauty - My Capstone Project
I developed a research-based art project that included a show and fundraiser, as well as an educational component. It was created as my capstone project for certification as a California naturalist through the UC System. Community members helped in gathering species and I made molds used to create individual wall hangings featuring the plants. These were presented at an event through Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and sold as a fundraiser.
2. Made by Hand - Annual Event
I invited, hosted and mentored craftspeople each year in an annual event held at my studio during the Cambria Art & Wine Festival. The event, held for six years, featured a woodworker, quilter, weaver and painter. Each was provided with a demonstration and display area, and my team provided sales support. A portion of the sales went to a nonprofit each year, the remaining to the participating artists. I demonstrated and sold at the event as well, and handled public relations and marketing.
3. Workshop Series and Annual Fundraisers
For 12 years, I created and taught two-day workshops focusing on image-making in clay, conducting eight to 12 workshops every year. Participants ranged from people with no experience in art to experienced ceramic artists. Each year, at least one workshop was given as a fundraiser for an organization. Examples include groups from Sol Treasurers in King City, Bakersfield East Rotary Club, Cambria Film Festival, and Cambria Rotary Club.
Civic Leadership
- Cambria Center for the Arts: Served on the board of directors, including three years as the secretary
- Cambria Rotary Club: Past president, grants director, public relations director, co-chair 50th anniversary. Current chair of our Climate Change Initiative
- Neal Jensen Fellowship/Cambria Rotary Foundation: Past co-chair, committee member developing tree-planting program
Environmental Leadership
- Certified Naturalist - UC System: Projects incorporating art-making to bring awareness to the fragility and beauty of our natural environment.
- Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve - I have created works for and conducted two fundraisers for FFRP, a designated Wild Preservation Area in Cambria.
- Climate Change Initiative: Chair, Cambria Rotary new committee focusing on environmental stewardship
Ceramics Education:
Bakersfield College/Ceramics Program-2000-2003
Workshop intensives at:Arrowmont/Gatlingburg, Tn
Mendocino Art Center – Mendocino, Ca
Sierra Nevada Summer Program
Potters Council – Ireland
Idyllwild Arts Program, Idyllwild, Ca