Mike Stumbras: History, Production, and Practice

Zoom Webinar
Thurs, June 10, 2021
7 - 8 PM Eastern Time

In this online lecture, Mike Stumbras will speak about his journey and clay and the peculiarities in the connections between 18th century European production ceramics and contemporary studio ceramic practices. Stumbras will discuss his influences, design philosophy, and the technical considerations involved in his process including wheel throwing, slip trailing, and water etching. With attention to Josiah Wedgwood and the Staffordshire potteries, trends in early American ceramics, and the emergence of the contemporary American studio ceramics movement, Stumbras will discuss the strangeness and wonder of working to make functional pots today.

Bio

Mike Stumbras was born in Chicago, Illinois. He studied at St. Olaf College, where he received a BFA in studio art and a BS in biology in 2007. He completed residencies at 323 Clay in Independence, MO; The Clay Art Center in Port Chester, NY; and The Carbondale Clay Center in Carbondale, CO. Stumbras received an MFA in Ceramics from Louisiana State University in 2017. Formerly a visiting assistant professor at the College of William and Mary and a Lecturer at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Stumbras has exhibited work nationally and internationally. He is currently living and working in Kansas City, Missouri.

Watch the talk in our Virtual Library.