Art Exhibit in Vise Library: Ceramic Works by Chase Gamblin

Ceramic Works by Chase Gamblin

Chase Gamblin, adjunct professor in Cumberland University’s School of Music and the Arts, works primarily with wheel thrown parts, which he then assembles into vessel forms. He uses the wood firing process not only as a means to create surface variation on his works, but also for its ritualistic characteristics. Dualities occur though out the works. His pieces are whimsical and elegant yet hard and course: they have small and large proportions, and are both masculine and feminine. “I use the thrown vessel because I feel that everyone can relate to it in some way. Whether is be a ceramic mug to drink the morning coffee or an urn that holds the ashes of a loved one, clay is a part of everyone’s experience.

Gamblin started ceramics in southern Illinois in 2001. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville, TN in 2007. He then studied and received his Masters of Fine Arts in ceramics at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. During his MFA studies, Gamblin traveled overseas for residencies, the first in Vicchio, Italy in 2008 and the second in Sanbao, China in 2009. After graduating from Texas Tech University, Gamblin worked a yearlong residency at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where he also served as an adjunct professor, teaching ceramic courses.