Exhibitions
TRILLIUM: MAT WHEELER
Tipton-Ashe Gallery @ the Courthouse / 401 Ashe St., Johnson City, TN March 4 - April 2nd
Mat Wheeler
Exhibition title Trillium references the flower’s relation to the area and time. Since living in Johnson City, ceramicist Mat Wheeler appreciates the stunning nature of spring and its exquisite sense of beauty and joy. Receiving the cascades of flowers after the humdrum of winter is memorable and something he excitedly anticipates. Furthermore, the Trillium is a combination of three’s, which he find fitting for this series of work, though he doesn't envision them as ephemeral, he does see changes happening through the cycles of making, akin to that of seasons. Wheeler's work is rooted in pottery as a method of creation and as a historic reference. Guided by archetypal forms, vases, teapots, and mugs, he finds myself creating within the framework they provide. This foundation acts a starting place for him to explore. Formal abstraction allows him to interpret these objects through a new lens, bringing focus to specific ideas.
These series, Spooter, Sassy Vassy and Ped and Pad, explore ideas of transformation, anthropomorphism, pareidolia, the idiosyncrasies of clay and its interaction with digitally produced tools. Humor is deeply rooted in Wheeler; he intends for these objects to provide a sense of joy through their gesticulating forms.
Mat Wheeler obtained his BFA from Northern Arizona University and his MFA from Indiana University. His practice is based primarily in making pottery. Working with persistent pottery forms seen throughout many cultures and times he incorporates formal abstractions that emphasize the anthropomorphic language used to describe pottery. Mat is currently a visiting assistant professor at East Tennessee State University. His current research is focused on the production of iridescent glaze through manipulating iron by controlling reduction during various stages of soda firings.
