ABOUT
BIOGRAPHY
Nicki Strouss grew up in the Kentucky Mud Works and Living Arts and Science Center of Lexington, KY. After graduating from Columbus College of Art and Design. Strouss divided time teaching yoga and ceramics for Balanced Yoga, CCAD, Columbus Academy, Ohio Craft Museum, Columbus Parks and Rec., Penland School of Craft, John Bryan Community Pottery, and assisting artists such as Dorothy Gill Barnes. From 2016-18 Strouss traveled extensively and worked at Greybear Retreat Center. Strouss is living in the clay filled moraines of Dayton, OH teaching ceramics at Stivers School for the Arts and Rosewood Art Center, thankful for all teachers, people and experiences, as they have directly contributed to the existence of this work.
A word on process
Nicki uses high fire clay which means it has been heated in a kiln up to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. She uses a variety of processes including salt, pit, electric and wood firing to get the results you see here. All of her functional work is microwave and dishwasher safe.
Artist Statement:
I could tell you the answer but you should jump to your own conclusions. I made this work to venerate the mundane materials in this life. When I make things and look at things, I see the stories of their history. Buttons, nests, stones, seeds, eggs, baskets, quilts, security envelopes, jeans – can become heirlooms with stories experienced visually, verbally, written, or worn into the threads of old denim. These mundane materials while not exceptional in and of themselves are fibers of the fabric of life.
The smallness of these objects contrasted to their ability to last through generations makes me question where stories start and end: do stories ever end? The story and evolution of these artworks newly created are not finished necessarily just because they are on display in the gallery. I imagine this life of the artwork like a child’s game of red light green light: Time in, Time out, Stop and go, Work and Play, Life and Death. Will its story or mine finish first? All of these intersections of objects and people create and reveal patterns of meaning.
I want you to find your own story because it will be different than mine. As you view the show consider that these items can be brought into your life. So long and thanks for all the fish.
Profile
My continued pursuit of education and work as an assistant has equipped me with the ability to comfortably move between the roles of teacher, student and assistant. This synergizes my ability to multitask and prioritize duties to efficiently complete responsibilities. I have also developed a strong sense of how to balance time between working for or helping others and completing my own work in the same environment.
Experience
High School Ceramics Instructor, Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, OH — 2008-15
I lead students through a curriculum including basic hand building and wheel throwing skills. I utilize much of the colleges facilities to provide students with a wide variety of ceramic processes including low, high, and raku firing techniques.
Ceramics Instructor, Tuttle Parks and Recreation Center, Columbus, OH — 2011-14
I instruct students of all ages and abilities in classes designed to teach ceramic skill as they build community and family togetherness.
Studio Assistant — 2008- present
I have worked with numerous artist as a studio assistant helping them prepare for and instal shows, ship work and clean and organize studio space. I most regularly work with sculptor and weaver Dorothy Gill Barnes and ceramicist, Cynthia Vardhan.
Ceramics Lab Technician, Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, OH — 2008-2009
During this one year position I was responsible for hiring and training students to clean and maintain the ceramics facilities at the college. Other obligations included fixing equipment, firing kilns on schedule, and ordering all stocked materials.
Summer Ceramics Instructor, Elmer NJ, Columbus. OH, Gahanna, OH — 2006-17
I spend the summers teaching at various programs at Columbus Accadamy, Columbus College of Art and Design Creative, Summer Workshops, the Ohio Designer Crafts Museum, Little Masters Program and at Appel Farm Arts and Music Camp. Students are age 5-18 and I work to teach them hand building, wheel throwing, glazing, studio practice and upkeep, glazing and in some cases firing techniques.
Education
Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, OH — BFA, 2008
Penland School of Craft, Penland, NC – 2 Week Velvet Weaving class with Barbera Setstu Picket, 2009 – 2 Week Sculpture and Weaving class Assisting Dorothy Gill Barnes, 2010 -2 Week Ceramics class Assisting Tom White, 2011
Skills
I have experience building, maintaining, and firing electric, gas, soda/salt, wood, and raku kilns. I can successfully formulate clay and glazes at all temperatures. I also have confidence setting up and maintaining a clean and organized studio, gallery, and or classroom environment. I also have also been trained to migweald and work with basic carpentry and power tools.
Awards
First and second prize in ceramics at the Salem, New Jersey County Fair
Partial scholarship to Columbus College of Art and Design
First prize in 3-d category at the Lexington Herald Leader student show
Second prize at the Lexington Art League Photography Show