Every civilization is based on the collective expression of its individuals using cultural ties to form and enrich a grid of concepts and communication. History, heritage and tradition, as well as environmental, define and shape us as human beings as well as artists. In my work, I try to create a dialogue with the environment and thus studying the cultural milieu in which we live.
Over the years, I have acquired knowledge and skills, which helped to express and form my own artistic language. Fascinated by ancient techniques (terra sigillata, and alternative firing methods), I studied, taught and applied them into a contemporary attitude. I was fortunate to meet and befriend outstanding artists in workshops, masterclasses, residencies, exhibitions and joint projects in Israel as well as in Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Romania, Denmark, Turkey), USA and Asia (India, China, South Korea and Japan).
Inspired by the history and culture of my own environment, I was honored by a commission of the City of Tel Aviv-Jaffa to create a large mural on a wall of a public building in the city. My work has been shown in galleries and museums in Israel as well as internationally. The last two solo exhibition in Tel Aviv in 2016-7, while the last one opened in Plinth Gallery, Denver, Colorado in August 2018.
Exchanging ideas and mutual enrichment has been made possible by friendship and connection with artists from all over the world. This takes form in workshops and exhibitions, which I organize, in special events held in Israel by assisting the Israeli Ceramic Association (as a current member and former managing director). I teach and give Masterclasses at the Harvard University Ceramic Program, Boston Ma., the Benyamini Contemporary Ceramic Center, Tel Aviv, Hecettepe University Ankara, Turkey and many other places, and at times serves as a Judge at large international biennales; the last one was Cluj Ceramics Biennale, Romania.
In many ways, Art is a language, as well as a cultural bridge, that should be made possible, especially for those who can benefit from it. This led me to voluntary work by teaching youth, special need groups and PTSD: designed and created a large mural in the Island of Nevis in the Caribbean, working with 20 local kids and inviting international known artists to participate. Communication with one another, teaching, exchanging ideas and creating – is what Art is all about.
I am a member of IAC – International Academy of Ceramics and was appointed as an International Advisory board member of the ICAN (Potters Council), USA. I am also a member of Artaxis, an independent network of artists. These positions enable me to contribute and to shape the future of ceramics. I have been fortunate to be invited by NCECA, The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts in the USA to demonstrate my art and ideas.
Visit Shamai Gibsh’s website and Instagram profile.
Featured work
Selected works, 2016-2020
