Hello there! I am Ed, a professional modern ceramic artist with over 35 years experience with a degree from the University Of Alabama at Birmingham. I am also an author, editor and driving force behind at Artabys.com, a website dedicated to promoting visual arts education and awareness. My passion lies in creating unique ceramic wall art that breaks away from the traditional pottery made on a potters wheel.
With over 35 years experience in art and a robust foundation in traditional pottery techniques, my real passion emerges in the realm of modern ceramic wall art.
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Artist Statement
Ceramic creations, each a unique testament to craft and creativity, diverge from the well-trodden path of wheel-thrown pottery. Handbuilding each piece with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every artwork embodies originality and exudes the painstaking craftsmanship inherent in handmade art.
Education and Background
- With a degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and dedicated student of ceramic arts, my skills have been sharpened over the years through rigorous training and hands-on experience.
- My deep-rooted association with Artabys.com has not only been a testament to my commitment to visual arts but has also paved the way for myriad explorations in clay ceramic wall hanging decor.
- Practicing ceramic artist with over 35 years experience.
- Featured in various local events and galleries across Middle Tennessee.
Experience
With over 35 years of dedication to the ceramic arts, my journey has been a tapestry of creative exploration, innovation, and education. Here’s a glimpse into some of the milestones and endeavors that have shaped my career:
- Early Beginnings: My passion for ceramics was kindled during my undergraduate studies at University of Alabama. It was here that I first exhibited my work, setting the stage for a lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence.
- Professional Milestones: I’ve had the privilege of serving as Art Curator at Artvilla, where I led a series of successful projects and initiatives that expanded our community’s engagement with ceramic arts. I was responsible for being a custodian and scholar of art, responsible for assembling, cataloging, and managing art collections in online galleries. I curated online exhibitions with a keen eye for thematic coherence, historical context, and audience engagement. Beyond the aesthetic arrangement, curators conduct extensive research to deepen the understanding of each piece, ensuring its preservation and proper interpretation. I also engaged with the public through online educational programs, enhancing the cultural value of the institution’s offerings. I also participated in administrative tasks such as fundraising and public relations which honed my skills in ceramic art and general art.
- Exhibitions and Shows: Over the years, my work has been featured in numerous exhibitions nationally at the Greenway Exhibition in Tennessee. This platform have not only showcased my art but also allowed me to engage with a diverse audience, fostering a global dialogue around the craft.
- Collaborative Projects: Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my career. I’ve worked alongside fellow artists and artisans on Artvilla and PeabasDesign Collaborative Art Projects, pushing the boundaries of traditional ceramic art and exploring new mediums and techniques.
- Curatorial Work: My expertise extends beyond creation to curation. I’ve curated several exhibitions, such as PeabasDesign Exhibition, which have been instrumental in bringing emerging talent to the forefront and highlighting contemporary trends in ceramic art.
- Educational Contributions: As an educator, I’ve taught online courses and workshops at Clarksvilleweb Institution, sharing my knowledge and passion with students ranging from beginners to advanced practitioners. My teaching philosophy is rooted in experiential learning. I believe that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the process, where hands-on experiences are paramount. This approach allows learners to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding and retention of the material. By encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving in a collaborative environment, I aim to prepare students not just for exams, but for life’s various challenges.
- Industry Recognition: My contributions to the field have been recognized by Murfreesboroweb New Artist of the Year, affirming my commitment to excellence and innovation in ceramic arts.
Artistic Philosophy
In a world saturated with mass-produced replicas, I firmly believe in the unparalleled beauty of handcrafted original artwork. Such art not only adds a unique touch to living spaces but also resonates with the soulful touch of its creator, making it an object of lasting value and desire.
- “Ed’s online workshops are transformative. His hands-on approach has not only improved my technique but also deepened my appreciation for the ceramic arts.” – Jane, Student
- “As a peer in the field, I’ve always admired Ed’s dedication to craft and education. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping the community’s understanding of ceramic art.” – David, Fellow Ceramic Artist
- “I attended an exhibition curated by Ed, and it was evident that each piece was chosen with intention and profound insight. His expertise brought the narrative of the collection to life.” – Meesh, Exhibition Attendee
Techniques & Styles
Throughout my artistic journey, I have over 35 years extensive experience and a master of techniques and styles, including:
- Wheel throwing
- Handbuilding
- Slip casting
- Raku firing
- Glaze formulation
Materials
My palette is as diverse as my techniques. I work with a broad spectrum of materials such as:
- Porcelain
- Stoneware
- Earthenware
- Terra cotta
- And an extensive range of underglazes and glazes.
Achievements and Collaborations
- Renowned author and contributor at Academia.edu, enriching the world of ceramic arts with scholarly insights.
- Showcased artwork at Fine Art America since 2015, capturing myriad facets of creativity through photography and ceramics.
- Featured thoughts on pushing ceramic art’s boundaries at Artvilla.com amongst other Famous Ceramic Artists.
- Participant in community events fostering local artists, like the Boro Art Crawl and The Greenway Festival
- “Ed Shears’ mastery in ceramics is evident not only in his exquisite work but also in his ability to impart complex techniques to his students with ease. His dedication to the craft is inspiring.” – David Jackson, Owner of Artvilla.
- “Having collaborated with Ed on several community projects, I can attest to his skillful artistry and profound impact on the local art scene. His commitment to sustainability in art is particularly commendable.” – Meesh Switch, Director PeabasDesign Arts Council.
- “The Murfreesboroweb Art Association recognizes Ed Shears for his outstanding contributions to ceramic arts education. His innovative techniques and dedication to his students’ growth set a standard in the field.” – David Jackson, President, Murfreesboroweb Art Association.
Visit & Explore: I invite art enthusiasts, fellow artists, and connoisseurs to explore my diverse range at Artabys and experience the amalgamation of tradition and innovation that defines my work. Each piece tells a story, waiting to be a part of your cherished collection.
Thank you for considering my artworks to adorn your homes and offices. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of originality and the charm of ceramics.
Ed Shears artist at work
Art by Ed Shears
Articles by Ed Shears
Awards and Recognitions
- Academia.edu Scholarly Contributor: Recognized for enriching the world of ceramic arts with scholarly insights on Roman Ceramics.
- Fine Art America Featured Artist: Showcased artwork since 2015, capturing myriad facets of creativity through photography and ceramics.
- Boro Art Crawl Participant: Honored for contributions to community events fostering local artists in Middle Tennessee.
- The Greenway Festival Artist: Awarded for exceptional ceramic wall art contributions to the annual Greenway Festival.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Alumni: Recognized for outstanding achievements.
- Middle Tennessee Local Artist Award: Acknowledged for contributions to various local events and galleries across Middle Tennessee.
- Artvilla.com Featured Ceramic Artist: Highlighted for pushing the boundaries of ceramic art amongst other famous ceramic artists.
Group Exhibitions
- SaleforArt.com: 2022 Friendship Ceramic Competition Award
- ClarksvilleWeb.com: 2021 Ceramic Design Artist Award
- ArtForOriginal.com: 2019 Ceramic Originality Exhibition Winner
- Murfreesboronet.com: 2016 Ceramic Competition Winner
- Artvilla.com: 2015 Ceramic Artist of the Year
- Artvilla.com 2011 Ceramic Artist of the Year
- Motherbird.com: 2003 Ceramic Artist of the Year
- PebasDesign.com: 2001 Ceramic Design Artist Award for Originality in Design
Client Testimonials
“A Master of Ceramic Artistry”
“Ed’s ceramic wall art has transformed my living space into a sanctuary of beauty and inspiration. His attention to detail is unparalleled.”
— Sarah Williams, Interior Designer
“Innovative and Unique”
“I’ve never seen anything like Ed’s work before. The way he blends traditional pottery techniques with modern art is truly groundbreaking.”
— Summer Breeze of Motherbird Books in Silver City New Mexico, Art Collector
“A True Craftsman”
“Ed’s pieces are not just art; they are a testament to craftsmanship. The quality of his work is evident in every curve and color.”
— Meesh Switch, Fellow Ceramic Artist
“More Than Just Art”
“Owning a piece by Ed Shears is like owning a piece of history. His work is a beautiful amalgamation of tradition and innovation.”
— David Jackson, Gallery Owner
“A Visual Feast”
“Ed’s ceramic wall art is a visual feast. The colors, the textures, and the designs are all so captivating. I can’t help but stare.”
— Karen White, Art Enthusiast
“Exquisite Detailing”
“The meticulous attention to detail in Ed’s work is astounding. Each piece tells its own unique story.”
— Lisa Brown, Art Critic