José Sierra was born in Mérida, Venezuela in 1975.  While José is a self-taught artist, he was introduced to ceramics at the University of the Andes in Mérida, Venezuela from 1993-1996, where he learned the basic skills of mixing clay, glazes, as well as wheel throwing.   In 1996, José began working professionally as an artist in Mérida, Venezuela, doing sculpture.  In 2000, José moved to Iowa where he dedicated himself to both sculpture and pottery.  José currently resides in New Mexico where he is a studio potter.

Please check out José Sierra’s Virtual Feature in the Potshop 

https://potshop.eutecticgallery.com/jose-sierra

Statement:

My past and present surroundings influence my work. The images and memories of coffee mills, intensely colored mountains, dramatic landscapes, pre-Colombian art and architecture of the Andean region of Venezuela all form an important part of my visual inspirations. These elements combine with contemporary design as well as the geometry of the Catalina Mountains to influence and inspire my work.  The range of textures and colors of the Andes and Catalinas also inform my palette of glazes and engobes, which are achieved through high-firing in oxidation and reduction. By altering wheel-thrown porcelain and stoneware, my work fuses organic and geometric forms, in which I express both the fluidity and abruptness of the shapes and lines in the landscapes and architecture that surrounds me.

My inspirations include pre-Hispanic art and architecture, and contemporary architecture and design. I also feel a connection with Japanese and Korean potters such as Wada Morihiro, who was also inspired by Pre-Colombian art.  I am also drawn to the work of Tatsusuke Kuriki, Jun Kaneko, Robert Turner and Ken Price. I am also influenced by modern Venezuelan artists like Jesús Soto, Alejandro Otero, Carlos Cruz Diez and Gego.