T.A.P. into Clay: Barry Gregg

Barry W. Gregg

1276 Carter Road

Decatur, Georgia 30030

EDUCATION

2004-2006 Assistantship Program, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, Georgia

1988 The Art Institute of Atlanta, AA, Graphic Design, Atlanta, Georgia

1982 BFA, Fine Arts, Newberry College, Newberry, South Carolina

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2004-present Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Instructor, Atlanta, Georgia

2005-present Mudslinging Pottery, Studio Potter / Sculptor / Owner, Decatur, Georgia

1996-2003 Atlanta College of Art, Instructor, Atlanta, Georgia

ARTIST STATEMENT

Through the journey of life, my passion has been drawn to various art forms. With formal training as a painter and illustrator, I have carried those skills to a 20-year career as a graphic designer. It fulfilled a need to use my knowledge and artistic expression to design works with a strict set of rules, yet still expressing myself in a two dimensional format. It is in the mid-nineties that I discovered clay.

My first experience as a handbuilder in a 3-dimensional art form gave me a satisfaction of self expression that began as a slow process that eventually built into a need to create. The configuration of the medium created limitless possibilities. Although there were rules and restrictions, I would push them to the limits, eventually creating my own voice.

My discovery of the potters wheel expanded my creative toolbox. I strive to combine my various skills to create forms that speak to me and eventually to the viewer. I utilize not only my artistic knowledge in my work, but also to use the experiences I have gathered as a child into adulthood. Including, but not limited to, fantasy, spirituality, a magical childhood at the beach and the unknown.

It is my goal to let go of preconceived notions of what the finished product should be. Therefore, allowing myself to experience the surprises that the clay has to offer from its conceptual beginnings to the final form.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Barry Gregg was born and raised in Florida where his family settled in Neptune Beach. As a child his artistic expression was limited to coloring “outside the lines” and the construction of sandcastles. In college he became more serious about fine arts receiving a BFA in Drawing from Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. This provided him with all of the prerequisites to become a Master Bartender.

In 1988 he graduated with a AA in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Atlanta with the intention of building a portfolio for corporate employment. At graduation he was awarded “Best Portfolio” by faculty and staff for his graduating class. This led to a position at BellSouth Corporation and eventually a 16 year career as a Freelance Graphic Designer.

It is in the mid-nineties that he took a class at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and discovered clay. As time went by and his excitement for the medium grew, he became a Studio Monitor and eventually applied for the Callanwolde residency program. Participating in the daily functions of operating the studio, as well as Group Shows and Sales, his interest grew as a clay artist, instructor and eventually to operating his own studio.

He has exhibited at Mudfire Gallery, Clay Center West, The Swan Coach House Gallery, The Atlanta College of Art, Hambidge Art Center and ART Station Galleries. He was one of 50 Georgia potters to show in Perspectives in Watkinsville and FiredWorks in Macon. His work can currently be seen at Signature Shop Gallery in Atlanta, Crimson Laurel Gallery in Bakersville, NC and The Bascom in Highlands, NC. Publications include Lark Books 500 Pitchers, 500 Tiles, Handbuilding, Decatur Living Magazine, Macon Magazine, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Clay Times Magazine.

MY INSPIRATION

I thought it was a sprain. At worst, a fracture. When I heard the word “sarcoma”, I froze . . . and then wept . . and then felt helpless. After a torrent of emotions ranging from fear to pity, I took action. Parker has been cancer free for four years. She ran up the stairs on the day of her surgery excited to be home.

She runs, jumps, swims and dances. Most of all, she inspires. No pity here. Only inspiration. She takes life one day at a time and accepts life as it comes at her. She is a loyal friend, my muse and teaches me life lessons daily. Growl only when growled at, let unimportant (and some important) things go, remain loyal, bark less and wag more.

Barry W. Gregg

clay artist, loyal friend and

three-legged dog owner