About Alex

My name is Alex. Nicknamed “Axel”.

On Ceramic Sculpture

I create abstract and biomorphic works in clay, blending shapes and forms found in the body and landscapes in sculptures.

My body of work is defined by a mixture of figuration and abstraction. To me, the physicality ceramic artists explore in the pliability of the medium relates directly to the artist’s understanding and mastery of form itself. In the process of shaping and molding my pieces, I feel connected both physically and psychologically to the body and its nuances and meanings.

I have also been influenced by the places and people I meet whenever I move into a new environment. The plains of North Dakota, maritime scenery of Maine and deserts of Arizona have all filtered into my work and affected my forms in both conscious and subconscious ways. Figurative works morph into boat- and sail-like vessel forms that have then peaked into mountainous landscapes.

I strive to create pieces that, while stemming from personal sources and inspirations purposeful and identifiable to me as the creator, expand beyond my story and challenge their viewers to assign meaning and worth according to their own conclusions. Expressionistic styles and abstract forms translate into works that make ambiguity and individual experience the heart of their existence.


CV

  • 2014
    Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA
    Certificate in Arts Management, Berkshire Hills Internship Program

    2013-2014
    Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
    Pursuing Bachelor of Art History, Post-Baccalaureate in Ceramics

    2012
    Minot State University, Minot, ND
    BFA Ceramics, BFA Painting, Minor Art History

    2009
    Bismarck State College, Bismarck, ND, Associate in Arts

  • 2022-Present
    Managing Director & Collection Specialist, Ferrin Contemporary, Cummington, MA

    2020-2022
    Associate Director, Ferrin Contemporary, North Adams & Cummington, MA

    2015-2020
    Associate, Ferrin Contemporary, North Adams & Cummington, MA

    2016-2020
    Program Director, Project Art, Cummington, MA

    2016
    Curator, GrowlerFest, NCECA, Lawrence Art Center, Lawrence, KS

    2016
    Residency Coordinator, Winter Residency, Project Art, Cummington MA

    2015-Present
    Founder & Creative Director, GrowlerFest, Cummington, MA & Portland, OR

    2015
    Program Coordinator, Project Art, Cummington, MA

    Residency Coordinator, Summer Residency, Project Art, Cummington, MA

    Exhibition Designer, Project Coordinator, Apprenticelines, NCECA, Providence, MA

    Project Coordinator, artKamp, Cumington, MA

    2014
    Intern, Ferrin Contemporary, Berkshire Hills Internship Program, North Adams, MA, Cummington MA

    2013-2014
    Assistant to Curator of Education, Arizona State University Art Museum, Tempe, AZ

    2011-2012
    Research Assistant, Minot State University, Minot, ND

    Studio Technician, Minot State University, Minot ND

    2010
    Gallery Intern, The Northwest Art Center, Minot State University, Minot ND

  • 2025
    Small Favors, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA

    2024

    American Ceramic Circle Symposium Scholarship Award, St. Louis, MO
    Artist in Residence, La Serra Collective, Denver, CO

    2016
    Alice in Wonderland, The Apple House Gallery, Guldagergaard International Research Center, Skælskør, Denmark

    Resident Artist, Guldagergaard International Research Center, Skælskør, Denmark

    Presenter, NCECA Blinc 20/20, GrowlerFest, Kansas City, MO

    2015
    New Voices Lecturer, Harvard Center for the Ceramic Arts, Allston, MA

    Guest Artist, Potstock, Minot State University, Minot, ND

    Lecturer, NotStock, Minot State University, Minot, ND

    Presenter, Slideluck Berkshires, Stonover Farm, Lenox, MA

    2014-2018
    Artist-in-Residence, Project Art, Cummington, MA

    2015
    Artist, artKamp, Cummington, MA

    2012
    Artist-in-Residence, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Newcastly, ME

    Lecturer, Art and Life, The Northwest Art Center, Minot State University, Minot, ND