SCULPTURAL CERAMICS
WELCOME
MODERN • PRIMITIVE
My pieces have been described as modern in their profile and primitive in their surfaces. Some have said they are monumental at any scale, ancient as if dug up from the sea.
Most of my forms are vessels. They have an interior and an exterior, the visible form and the more hidden space inside is an anthropomorphic relationship I enjoy exploring. Each piece comes into existence and develops a personality as it evolves, much like all of us.
My inspirations are varied. I’ve got this Wabi-sabi meets Mid-century modern thing going on – what I’m calling “Modern Primitive” – old and new. My artwork is rooted in the traditions of Japanese Mingei philosophies while reflecting my immersion in contemporary art and design. Any design discipline (architecture, fashion, product design, etc.) involving the relationship of shape, form, color, volume, all inform my work, as well as the beauty of the natural world.
ABOUT
I'm a ceramic artist and designer exploring the sculptural possibilities inherent in clay.
I hold a BA in Fine Art from Western Washington University and carried a dual major in ceramics and visual communications. And while my heart is now solidly wedded to clay, my primary career has been in graphic design which has taken me to Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle.
While working in the two-dimensional world of typography, photography, color, paper and the digital realm, I’ve always kept a hand in the clay and maintained a ceramic studio wherever I lived. I came to see that fundamental design principles translate across all dimensions and began thinking I might one day get back to the 3D world of clay.
That day came in 2001. I left my urban ways, sold my house in Seattle and moved to rural Whatcom County, WA making the transition to a life in clay.
My work is represented nationally by galleries and museums and is included in several permanent collections. I also exhibit and sell my work at several regional art shows. Most recently I’ve had the privilege of participating in the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, D.C.
You can view my C.V.
THE WORK
As you look through the artwork, a piece might speak to you, create a resonance that enhances your experience, recalls a memory or brings joy, then it may be more than just another “thing” in the world – it’s a touchstone.
My pieces vary in scale so contact me with your specific needs, availability and pricing
by clicking
AVAILABLE WORK
Request a list of available pieces or just say "hello" by filling out this simple form.
Or you can email me directly at brianoneill@cablespeed.com
I suggest you contact me about what work is currently available, since a new series develops within each work cycle.
If you are interested in a particular piece or style of vessel, contact me and I'll send you an email with photo attachments of available work. I never share this mailing list with anyone. Your contact information will be used only for my mailings.