Ryan Magee

Artist Statement: For the first few years of surfing, I blew past its artistic qualities in hopes of trying to be the best in the water. Along the path of accepting that I won’t be the best, I realized that the surfers I look up to most are far more than surfers. Painting, music, sculpting, clothing, skating, shaping. A whole new world that I’d been oblivious to for my whole life. I went into ceramics 1 junior year with a boatload of expectations and was quickly brought back to reality when failing to center a ¼ pound of clay. Later in the year the wheel began to make sense, and then the world shutdown. Having the wheel at home this year has given me a creative outlet like no other and a way to express all of the feelings pent up from the crazy times.

Q: What inspiration or meaning can you detail regarding one of the works above?

A: This answer goes for most of my handbuilt work but I’d say the meaning of it is to not care. As vague as it sounds the majority of these pieces are done with no plan. I love this style because it allows whatever is on my mind to just jump out and take form.

Q: Where do you envision your art taking you in the future? What goals do you have as an artist?

A: Right now all I know is that I don’t plan on stopping art anytime soon. In the chaos of applying to schools, I spontaneously applied as an art major. But the more I think about it, the more comfortable I am with it. Whatever I do after school, I’m sure it’ll involve art in one form or another.

Q: How did your passion for art begin? Is there anything unique or interesting about your evolution as an artist thus far that you can share with us?

A: I think my passion for art was a really natural progression from my environment and just seeking an outlet. I was quick to find out that clay can feel emotion. I know it’s corny, but once you try to center a mound of clay without acknowledging all of the turmoil in your life, you’ll see what I mean. Failing to acknowledge my hardships, while still eager to build larger forms, I quickly gravitated toward handbuilding. Handbuilding brought out the childish instincts that made me fall in love with art in the first place. While the potters wheel may be the most prestigious, I am beyond grateful for what handbuilding has allowed me to do.