View David Gallagher’s works featured on Ceramics Now Magazine
David Gallagher is a ceramic artist from Philadelphia who completed his undergraduate work at the Tyler School of Art-Temple University. He is currently pursuing his Masters of Fine Arts at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.
Research Statement
In our current epoch of ever more rapid invention it becomes paramount to analyze our relationships to the technology we produce. Systems are created on the foundations of existing technology and are tied to the accepted modes of history and the present. These technologies mediate our experiences with the physical world. We no longer have hundreds of years to determine appropriate uses for the technology we create. In many cases this time frame can be compressed to months or even weeks, with the only criteria for its evaluation being its novelty. These tools we create enter our perception with singularity of purpose, and yet cause repercussions though out our whole cultural existence.
The primary focus of my artistic practice is the systems we create to manage our society. I am constantly investigating our understanding of the physical and psychological environments we construct. Humanity is driven to invent; to create tools that aid in the managing of society’s existence. Our instinctual proclivity to transcend what exists, to constantly refine and redefine our own existence is the central idea that drives my research. My work is a simulation and examination of systems that function within the constructs of social environments. These systems provide a framework for the investigation of the possibilities of context, specific iterations of conventional relationships.
These concepts manifest themselves in the studio with ceramics as the foundation, due to its strong roots in the crafts, industrial technology, and design. While I am continually creating objects, they rarely function as autonomous units. Instead, they become parts of a physical lexicon that are only relevant in their relationships to their counterparts. As a parallel to the physical manipulation of material, I also collect a myriad of industrially produced objects. These parts of a larger whole which are removed from their original singular purpose, serve as symbols of a specific function. I live with these objects in my studio; develop relationships with them as I interact with them over the course of time.
The use of physical computing is also an essential element of my studio practice. The DIY culture surrounding the communities related to this practice foster an ethic of exploratory learning and analysis. Using this paradigm, I explore my lexicon with an eye towards the functionality of these objects and how best to recontextualize them towards my purpose.
When a work is actualized, it is the crosspollination of these three elements. Spurred on by observation, I draw from the forms and symbols available to me to create a dynamic environment that allows for the exploration and consideration of the space and its components.
David Gallagher’s C.V. (resume) – View his works
EDUCATION
2012 – Masters of Fine Arts candidate, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2009 – Bachelors of Fine Arts (summa cum laude, Minor in Art History), Tyler School of Art, Elkins Park, PA
2007 – Associate of Fine Arts, Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2010-2012 – Kansas State University Art Department
Teacher of Record – Ceramics 2, Ceramics 1, Art for elementary Teachers, 3 Dimensional Design
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Advanced Drawing
2006–2009 – Bucks County Community College
Ceramic Studio Technician
2008–2009 – Tyler School of Art (Ceramics Department)
Kiln room Assistant
2000–2006 – Educational Testing Service (Research Division). Princeton, NJ
Staff Assistant II
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2012 – NCECA 2012 National Student Juried Exhibition, Jacob Lawrence Gallery, Seattle WA
– Small Favors VII, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
– Out Of Place (solo show), Chapman Gallery, Manhattan, KS.
2011 – Eighth Annual Marge Brown Kalodner Graduate Student Exhibition, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
– Limited Resources, Garden City Community College, Garden City KS. (With Artist Lecture)
– Intercommunication, William T.Kemper Gallery, Manhattan KS.
– Identify Marks, The Columbian Theater Museum and Art Center, Wamego KS
– Prairie to the Planes, University of Oklahoma, Norman OK.
– Amalgamation: Chapman Gallery, Manhattan KS
2010 – Soup to Nuts: Shiftspace Gallery, Wichita KS
– Beyond the Visible Spectrum: Mark A Chapman Gallery, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS
– Add Heat + Pressure: K-State Ceramics, The Gallery, Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina KS
– Crafted: A Collector’s Series: Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh PA
– GSOVA Spring Exhibition: Kemper Gallery, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS
– Between Order and Chaos: Mark A Chapman Gallery, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS
– K-State Ceramics: Dodge City Community College, Dodge City, KS
2009 – K-State Ceramics: The Mercer Gallery, Garden City Community College, Garden City, KS
– KSU vs WSU: Shiftspace Gallery, Wichita KS
– 19 Random Vernaculars: Mark A. Chapman Gallery, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS
– 4 Person Show: Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA
2008 – Juried Crafts Department Student Show: Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA
– Earth and Ash: The Clarion Wood Firing Community: NCECA Pittsburg, PA
2005, 2006, 2007 – Robert R Dodge Annual Juried Student Show: Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
– Virtual Paris: Ceramics on the World Wide Web by Dr. Glen R. Brown, Ceramics Monthly March 2012
– Art Axis: www.artaxis.org
– Ceramics Monthly: MFA Factor January 2011, p. 53
SHOWS CURATED
– “The Map is not the Territory”: Del Harrow, David East, and Bryan Czibesz. Ikeda Gallery, Manhattan Ks. February 2012
– Earth and Ash: The Clarion Wood Firing Community (Wrote proposal and co-curator), NCECA, Pittsburg, PA 2008
AWARDS AND OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
– Mold Making and Image Transfer Work shop. Garden City Community College,
– Garden City Ks. Oct, 2011
– Rudy Staffel award for excellence in ceramics. Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia PA.
– Vice President: Graduate Students of Visual Arts (GSOVA) 2011-2012
– Treasurer: Graduate Students of Visual Arts (GSOVA) 2009-2010
– Graduate Teaching Assistantship. Art Department, Kansas State University 2009-2012
– Teaching assistant (Tyler School of Art): Chad Curtis, Neil Patterson, and Eric Miller
Visit David Gallagher’s website.
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