EMAIL: tom@jackieguthrie.com

QUICK FACTS

How many years have you been working as a clay artist?

What is your main clay body that you currently use? 

What is the primary method you use for building your work?

What is your favorite studio tool? 

Do you have any future clay wishes or dreams?

ARTIST STATEMENT

I’ve always liked building things. Making things in clay has allowed me the opportunity to combine the processes of sculpture and the processes of drawing and painting. Being able to work 2 dimensionally on a 3 dimensional object is fundamental to my recent work. I have, most recently, worked in low temperature earthenware clay with handmade semi vitreous slips for surface surface decoration. These materials make it possible for me to utilize brighter colors, impasto textures and resulting dry matte and glossy surfaces.

I try to utilize these processes in both functional pieces and large non functional pieces. Historically, I have explored using various materials and processes and concepts in my work that include; language, politics, raku, site specific locations, unfired materials, wood firing, self portraiture, mold making and numerous other approaches to ceramic art.

BIOGRAPHY

BORN: | USA

After acquiring his BS in Art Education and MFA in Ceramics, Tom Belden taught for 41 years at the Collegiate and University level. He has taught Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Art History, Design and Sculpture. Belden has taught as Arizona State University, Kentucky State University, University of Colorado | Colorado Springs, Mesa Community College, and Central Arizona College. Additionally he was the Department Head at two of those institutions and was the Director of the Art Galleries at two of those institutions. Belden is currently retired from teaching, but he continues to produce his own Art Works and do workshops around the country in ceramic art and kiln construction.