Gary Hatcher
Pine Mills, Texas
Biography
Gary C. Hatcher studied ceramics at The University of North Texas where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics and at Texas A&M at Commerce where he received a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture. He apprenticed in ceramic art studios in Devon, England, with Michael Leach and David Leach from 1976 to 1979 as well as shorter apprenticeship experiences in France and Greece. He is currently Professor and Chair in the Department of Art and Art History at The University of Texas at Tyler where he has taught since 1992.
After returning from England in 1979 he has maintained a studio in east Texas with his wife, Daphne Roehr Hatcher, also a ceramic artist, firing most works in a Bourry box wood fired kiln. He continues to balance teaching, administration and a very active involvement in the creation of ceramic works at his studio.
On teaching at The University of Texas at Tyler Hatcher has said, “Teaching has become a part of my journey. After working undisturbed in my studio for twelve years I began teaching ceramics at The University of Texas at Tyler in 1992 and it has become the place where I share knowledge and experience I have gained in the last thirty years as a ceramic artist. I am dedicated to providing the best learning environment possible for students. I want to challenge students to think of art in a cross-cultural way. I want my students to see creative expression as integrated and not segmented by material or discipline. Although much of my training was as an apprentice in art studios in Europe, the university offers the most effective environment for learning the ways of art. It is a place where ideas are exchanged and the process of creative exploration is pasted on to a new generation of those in pursuit of knowledge and understanding of our world through art.”
He has had articles published in Ceramics Art and Perception, Ceramics Technical, Ceramics Monthly, The Studio Potter and American Craft. His works have been included in over a dozen books in print. He exhibits widely both nationally and internationally. Major exhibitions of his ceramic works have been held in venues such as Baylor University, Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts, Austin College, Tyler Museum of Art and Irving Arts Center. His works are in numerous private and museum collections. Hatcher has curated a number of exhibitions of ceramic works for The University of Texas at Tyler and the Tyler Museum of Art.
Statement
My ceramic work is glazed and wood fired. I am interested in the subtle accumulation of light wood ash on glazed and unglazed surfaces and the accentuation of pure form. Color in my work is enhanced by wood firing, not dominated by wood ash deposits. Clay provides a perceptual and tactile journey with natural materials as well as a conceptual and philosophical challenge of the mind. That philosophical challenge continually requires balance of mind, hand and eye and is compelling without end. Making clay vessels is my philosophical journey, always compelling, endless in variation and mystery.
www.garyhatcher.com
Biography
Gary C. Hatcher studied ceramics at The University of North Texas where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics and at Texas A&M at Commerce where he received a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture. He apprenticed in ceramic art studios in Devon, England, with Michael Leach and David Leach from 1976 to 1979 as well as shorter apprenticeship experiences in France and Greece. He is currently Professor and Chair in the Department of Art and Art History at The University of Texas at Tyler where he has taught since 1992.
After returning from England in 1979 he has maintained a studio in east Texas with his wife, Daphne Roehr Hatcher, also a ceramic artist, firing most works in a Bourry box wood fired kiln. He continues to balance teaching, administration and a very active involvement in the creation of ceramic works at his studio.
On teaching at The University of Texas at Tyler Hatcher has said, “Teaching has become a part of my journey. After working undisturbed in my studio for twelve years I began teaching ceramics at The University of Texas at Tyler in 1992 and it has become the place where I share knowledge and experience I have gained in the last thirty years as a ceramic artist. I am dedicated to providing the best learning environment possible for students. I want to challenge students to think of art in a cross-cultural way. I want my students to see creative expression as integrated and not segmented by material or discipline. Although much of my training was as an apprentice in art studios in Europe, the university offers the most effective environment for learning the ways of art. It is a place where ideas are exchanged and the process of creative exploration is pasted on to a new generation of those in pursuit of knowledge and understanding of our world through art.”
He has had articles published in Ceramics Art and Perception, Ceramics Technical, Ceramics Monthly, The Studio Potter and American Craft. His works have been included in over a dozen books in print. He exhibits widely both nationally and internationally. Major exhibitions of his ceramic works have been held in venues such as Baylor University, Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts, Austin College, Tyler Museum of Art and Irving Arts Center. His works are in numerous private and museum collections. Hatcher has curated a number of exhibitions of ceramic works for The University of Texas at Tyler and the Tyler Museum of Art.
Statement
My ceramic work is glazed and wood fired. I am interested in the subtle accumulation of light wood ash on glazed and unglazed surfaces and the accentuation of pure form. Color in my work is enhanced by wood firing, not dominated by wood ash deposits. Clay provides a perceptual and tactile journey with natural materials as well as a conceptual and philosophical challenge of the mind. That philosophical challenge continually requires balance of mind, hand and eye and is compelling without end. Making clay vessels is my philosophical journey, always compelling, endless in variation and mystery.
www.garyhatcher.com