ARTIST STATEMENT

As History Repeats Itself

Nathan Bray 

My passion to create with clay is driven by the continuous flow of new ideas and techniques involved with the processes. I gather influence for my artwork from my experiences of painting and working on cars, as well as working with electricity and metal. I am also subconsciously influenced by the abstract color loaded paintings my dad made the last decade he was around.

My application of color pulls influence from graphic and pop art, as I grew up in the suburbs of San Diego around a lot of graffiti art.

I am steadily intrigued to create movement through the use of colors and in the forms I assemble. I enjoy using the plasticity of clay to emphasize the soft and rigid qualities the medium has to offer.

 My work changes, just like the times change.

As history repeats itself, we are left with few options. The need to be vocal and stand up for what I believe in is what I am doing. I am using my art to do what I can, to bring awareness to the human rights issues that confront us on a daily basis. These rights have been fought for by past generations, for centuries. Human rights are inclusive of civil rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, workers’ rights, children's rights, elders’ rights, disability rights, housing rights, food rights, and more. I use my art as a tool to convey messages.  Human Rights are currently on the chopping block.

About the Artist

Nathan Bray currently works from his home studio in Northern Minnesota. Nathan received his BFA from Bemidji State University in 2009. He was a resident artist at the Carbondale Clay Center from 2010-2011. Nathan enjoys time with his wife Colleen, working in the garden and taking care of the old family homestead.