RUSSELL

"It starts with the clay."

Christopher Russell has been working with clay for over 30 years. In his latest vessels and wall pieces, dynamic in structure and decoration, he is inventing new forms and surfaces, pushing ceramic’s possibilities. Each unique piece stands alone as an artwork while complementing interior and architectural spaces.

Studio: Sculpture Space NYC

ABOUT

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CHRISTOPHER

CERAMICIST

RUSSELL

"I always have the goal of creating work with the command and charisma of a piece of art."

SEE THE WORK

Creating the Abacus Screen is a process of accumulation. As more beads come out of the kiln, different shapes and glazes, the screen develops and shifts. By the end, I can arrange the elements almost like brushstrokes.

Doing the final assembly is the exciting part. Creating rhythms acroos the rods, really making all the elements come together as an integrated composition. Adding color here, changing a shape over here. It’s when the Abacus Screen really comes to life.

IN THE STUDIO

Abacus Screen in progress

Slip casting is traditionally used to produce multiples of an individual item. I’m using it differently, to produce elements that I can later combine to create a large, architectural piece.

SEE MORE ABACUS