Tom Alward

Bio:

Growing up in Prescott, Arizona (USA), Tom Alward began working in clay in 2001 at a community college. His thirst for a broader education led him to Northern Arizona University in 2005, where he studied art and ceramics exclusively. During his studies, he was able to participate in many extra curricular activities, including shows, workshops and community outreach. He was also able to obtain a research grant from the university to design and build a wood-burning kiln on the NAU campus. Tom went on to complete his BFA in May of '08, and simultaneously received a major award called the Windgate Fellowship from the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design in North Carolina. Being one of only 10 graduating students from select universities across the country, Tom is using this rare opportunity to gain experience beyond the comforts of academia for the next year and a half. Traveling, residencies, attending conference/workshops, and meeting new people are critical aspects of Tom's journey toward a life with clay. Currently, he is a new resident artist at the Cub Creek Foundation in Virginia for '08 and '09. Alward plans to utilize this time to its full potential and work towards the next step in developing his ceramic career.

Statement:

Throughout my experience as a potter, I have noticed an unmistakable influence from nature and its grounding capabilities. I am humbled by the fact that clay is a raw and local material, and I strive to create pots that reflect the basic character of the medium. Growing up in Arizona has enabled me to see the beauty in nature's ruggedness, variety, canvas, and when each pot speaks of its own journey through time. The natural ash glaze, clay texture, and colors in this context can often mimic the volcanic crust, riverbeds, chiseled rock, and weathered landscapes that are crucial to my understanding of the wilderness. This honesty and reality of clay is something that I deeply relate to and hope to share with the viewer, to perhaps shed light in places we have yet to explore.