Scott Ziegler
Assistant Professor of Art and Ceramics
Email: sziegler@sf.edu
Phone: 260.399.7700 x 8029
Web: http://www.scottzieglerceramics.com/
Statement
Through my art, I provide an introspective look into my past experiences. As a child in a dysfunctional family—one rooted in alcohol addiction—I experienced years of trauma, abuse, confusion, and fear. As an adult, I realized that these past experiences and memories constrained my full expression of self. I felt bound by a variety of patterns of behavior that resulted in internal struggles, destructive behavior, and limited personal growth.
I have come to realize that I have to explore the past in order to break free from its constraints. Art has been the vehicle for that exploration. When I create a piece of art, I am provided with an opportunity to reach into the dark abyss, find the light, and heal. Each piece is symbolic of the truth I discover and the healing it provides. As people view my art, it is my hope that it will be an opportunity to do personal soul-searching regarding the issues of addiction, trauma, and recovery. It is not necessary to know the exact content of my memories and experiences to resonate with the truth contained in my pieces of art, because truth is universal.
Education
Northern Illinois University
M.F.A. – ceramics concentration, 2008
Loyola University
M.Ed. Art Education, 2003
Loyola University
B.A. Fine Arts – ceramics concentration, 1996
Visiting Lecturer
2010 William Rainey Harper College, Palatine, IL, lecture and workshop
2009 University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN, lecture
Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL, lecture and workshop
Professional Experience
2009 Featured Artist: Broadstrokes: A Closer Look at the Art, CATV, Fort Wayne, IN
Juried Kiln God Residency Award – Benji Schulman Invite Artists, Watershed
Center for the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, ME
2008 Studio Visitation – La Meridiana, Certaldo, Italy
2007 Studio Visitation – The International Ceramics Studio, Kecskemet, Hungary
2006 Summer Participant – John Gill, Alfred University, Alfred, NY
2006 Work-Study Student – Jason Walker, Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC
2005 Studio Assistant – James Tanner, Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC
2004 Summer Participant – Dick Hay, Touchstone Center for Crafts, Farmington, PA
2003 Studio Assistant (Wood, Soda, Salt Firings) – Kurt Webb,
Waubonsee Community College, Aurora, IL
2002 Studio Assistant (Wood, Soda, Salt Firings) – Kurt Webb,
Waubonsee Community College, Aurora, IL
Professional Associations
College Art Association
NCECA
Pottery Council
AccessCeramics
Artaxis