Alexis Ellis

Artist Statement

At the core of ceramics is the creation of functional, practical and otherwise useful objects. It requires practice and craftsmanship to develop forms that are both pleasing and functional. Through this process and the practiced hands of the potter, ceramic work is elevated and transformed. I create subtle, strong functional forms in porcelain and stoneware, and occasionally rats.
Early in my career, I was struck by the concept of ceramics as a functional fine art. I was especially drawn to the Japanese folk craft revival movement. It inspired me to move to Japan to study traditional ceramics. I am fascinated by the craftsmanship and simple elegance of traditional forms through which the potter is able to create an intensively interactive form of art, and occasionally rats.
Currently, in my work I've been examining and studying these sculptural animal forms as stand ins for people as the pandemic has separated us. I've chosen rats as their traditional reputation as bringers of plague and misfortune to anthropomorphize.

Biography

Alexis Ellis is a potter and sculptor. She received a BFA in ceramics and a BA in anthropology from University of South Florida. She studied traditional ceramics for a year and a half in Mashiko, Japan and upon return to the US ran Downstairs Art Gallery and Studio in Crystal River, Florida for five years. She began sculpting in 2020. Currently, she teaches visual arts at Citrus Springs Middle School . She shares her studio with three cats and six rats.

Exhibition History (CV)