Explorations

July 28 - August 27, 2022

Artlink Contemporary Gallery is pleased to present Explorations by George Morrison of Fort Wayne, IN.

This solo exhibition of ceramic sculptures by George Morrison explores the characteristics and limitations of clay: its ability to be thrown on the wheel, molded, extruded, sliced and rolled into slabs. Surface treatments include wood, soda and sawdust firing, terra sigillata, glaze, die-cut stencils and vinyl graphics.

Morrison's recent work contrasts the spontaneity of compressed and bent extrusions with geometrically precise slip-cast forms. These contrasts express the great range of flexibility that clay offers.

The connection between ceramic art and Morrison's career in architecture comes naturally, as both deal with volume and form and he feels that both are most successful when the unique characteristics of the materials being used are expressed.

Please join us for the opening reception on Thursday, July 28th from 5-8 pm!

About the Artist

George Morrison is a Fort Wayne artist who has been a life-long resident of Indiana, aside from the two years spent in Washington DC serving in the Army Corps of Engineers during the Vietnam era. 

From a young age, Morrison worked summers as a laborer and later as an apprentice brick layer for his father’s masonry construction company in Northwest Indiana. These experiences were instrumental in developing his appreciation and understanding of architecture and the nature of construction materials. 

Morrison graduated from Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning in 1972 and later founded his own architecture firm in 1981. He was the president of the firm until his retirement in 2009. From then on, he has had the opportunity to study and explore art as a full-time vocation and has exhibited his work in many galleries and community venues. He has also taught ceramics in an adjunct position and has conducted workshops, presentations and lectures informed by his art practice. He primarily works with clay, though he has worked with other materials to design large-scale public projects such as the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza at Lincoln State Park, “Flights of Friendship” at the Fort Wayne International Airport, two interior sculptures for Indiana Tech, “City” at Superior Street Circle for the City of Fort Wayne, and projects for the James Foundation and Parkview Regional Medical Center. 

Education

La Meridiana International Centre of Ceramics, Certaldo, Italy

Corcoran School of Art, Washington DC

Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana

Charlie Cummings Clay Studio, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Workshops: Brad Schwieger, Julia Galloway, Fong Choo, Alex Hibbitt

NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) Conferences; 2004, 2006,2008-2011