Daryl McCracken
The body is a common reference in my work, not only the interaction of vessel and user but also in the surface and form of each work. The processes of throwing, glazing and firing leave concrete marks revealing the history of the piece and the body that created it. The plastic quality of clay and these physical processes are paramount to the development of my work, inviting touch and inspiring the creation of the next piece. The repetitive, visceral interaction with material creates a kinetic rhythm of energy, spontaneity and sudden inspiration in response to these materials.
Working in the same rapid manner, the life drawings I have made since my teens have begun to emerge on the surface of these vessels. Seeking a balance between surface and form, I am attempting to merge the gestural quality of figurative line drawings with the fluid forms of the pots. By paring down the figure’s details to simple outlines I abstract the forms much like Matisse’s papiers coupes (paper cutouts) and focus on the relationship of positive and negative space created by the figure’s interaction with the form of the pot.
Inspiration for this work comes from Greek and Mimbres Pottery, the photography of Edward Weston and paintings of Philip Pearlstein, Lucian Freud and Egon Schiele.
For over 15 years Daryl has been working as a studio artist, college instructor, and museum professional. His career began in undergraduate school, working as an assistant preparator at the Miami University Art Museum in Ohio. Designing and installing exhibitions for two years provided valuable experience into the museum world. After completing his Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Illinois where he was honored with an Excellence in Teaching award, he taught briefly in Illinois before migrating to Houston, TX.
Currently he is an instructor of art history at Houston Community College and Intermediate Ceramics at the Glassell School of Art – Museum of Fine Arts Houston. In addition to teaching, he has conducted many slide lectures and workshops including the “Design and Construction of a Catenary Arch Wood Kiln” near Brenham, Texas in 2001-2002.
As an artist, Daryl focuses primarily on functional and sculptural ceramics vessels. He has exhibited both regionally and nationally and won numerous awards including an Honorable Mention for CraftHouston: Texas 2006. His work can currently be seen at Asher Gallery at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and at Copper Shade Tree Gallery in Round Top, Texas.
