Today we’re joined by Aaron. Aaron is an incredibly interesting artist who works in ceramics. He runs Aberrant Ceramics and produces work that is inspired by a number of different artistic movements. His unique ceramics bring to mind Dali and it’s really fascinating to look at, as you’ll see. My thanks to him for taking the time to participate in this interview.
WORK
Please, tell us about your art.
I use “Aberrant Ceramics” to describe my work.
I work with stoneware clay. I make hand-built ceramic pottery, sculpture, ornaments, and menorahs. My style is primitive, grotesque, humorous, literal. I’ve been working with clay for almost 12 years. I have very minimal training in hand-building, but I’m mostly self-taught.
What inspires you?
Fossil organisms, especially from the Burgess Shale, Cthulhu Mythos entities, Parallel Botany, insects and arachnids, Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, cephalopods, tardigrades, Lewis Carroll, Dada, Outsider Art, Discordianism, Cannabis, eyes, teeth, spikes, tentacles.
What got you interested in your field? Have you always wanted to be an artist?
I took a pottery class in 2004 as a social outlet. It didn’t turn out to be a social outlet, but I fell in love with the medium.
I had secretly wished I could be an artist for a long time, but I never had a medium as versatile as clay before.
Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in your work that you’d be willing to reveal?
My initials and the year.
What advice would you give young aspiring artists?
I don’t think I’m in a position to advise anyone. You’re on your own, young, aspiring artists.
ASEXUALITY
Where on the spectrum do you identify?
I identify as a heteroromantic asexual.
Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field? If so, how do you handle it?
I don’t talk about asexuality with many people, so I haven’t directly encountered prejudice or ignorance. If I did encounter it, I would probably handle it with the magic of avoidance.
What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?
I don’t know if it’s the most common, but my favorite misconception is the one in which the other party insists that asexual can only refer to organisms that reproduce by fission or budding.
What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?
Label yourself however you wish. Or don’t.
Finally, where can people find out more about your work?
Blog: http://www.aberrantceramics.com
http://aberrantceramics.tumblr.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/aberrantceramics
http://aberrantceramics.deviantart.com/gallery
http://www.facebook.com/aberrantceramics
I’m on various other social media sites under the name Aberrant Ceramics.
Thank you, Aaron, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.
Asexual Artists 