Online Feature: Kyle Johns

My work uses the vessel to explore various degrees of form, function, and sculptural considerations. From my interest in contemporary design, I playfully experiment with new solutions with the intention to conjure feelings for leisure, desire, and rarity embedded in domestic objects.

Using the traditionally rigid process of mold making that is at the core of industrial production; I deconstruct and reassemble plaster mold positives to create a multitude of unique forms. The work is created organically, responding to the possibilities and limitations of the process and material. Through play, variation and modification, I look to change simple variables to create new methods and possibilities. I often reference domestic forms that are familiar, as a means to draw a broader connection to my work. These objects exist in the grey area between vessel and sculpture, and question the boundaries of design. Through my work I hope to explore the various degrees of function, from the practical to the sculptural, while generating new ideas for uses, forms, and processes. -- Kyle Johns

Kyle began working with clay at Oakton Community College. Following his newly found passion Kyle then transferred to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) where he began studying under Paul Dresang and Matt Wilt. Following undergraduate, Kyle received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University, studying with Brad Schwieger, Tom Bartel, Alex Hibbitt, and Chuck Mcweeny. While at Ohio University, Kyle participated in a six week residency at The International Ceramics Center in Kecskemet, Hungary. Kyle also was a studio assistant at Arrowmont School for the Arts and Crafts, returning several times as a workshop assistant and Utilitarian Clay. Kyle recently was a summer resident at the Archie Bray Foundation and a short term resident at Red Lodge Clay Center.