Untitled

Date2004

MediumGlazed ceramic

ClassificationsCeramic

Credit LineGift of Dr. Joyce Stuart, 2017

Object numberUAC6563

DescriptionJohn Albert Murphy’s black and white striped spheres and cylinders, cones and squares, look almost like tangible optical illusions. The geometric works appear as if they might be puzzled out, placed at just the right angle so as to see a thought or idea in a new light. In fact, such contemplation is key to Murphy’s work, often placing a provocative title on his elaborate ceramic pieces where the contrasting black and white stripes meld together or stand apart in surprising ways depending on the word, or words, chosen. For example, a work might, through its title, refer to the dueling natural and industrial landscapes, but where one might anticipate the black and white lines to be staunch barriers describing each environment, there are interesting commonalities and ways in which they work together. In this way, Murphy’s untitled dinner ware is immediately aesthetically interesting, but upon further inspection it might press into art compared to utilitarian objects; where the two converge, stand apart, or even in many respects are the same. Murphy’s work interestingly creates spaces for unique relationships to play out across his ceramic surfaces, constructing opportunities for new ideas and thoughts to flourish for not only the viewer, but the artist himself.

Murphy’s knack for creating has been lifelong. Growing up in Dearborn, Michigan he often worked within his father’s workshop, experimenting with different materials which acted not only as a creative outlet, but a way to keep his hands busy. Later on, Murphy graduated from Wayne State University with both his BA and MA in ceramics. A long-time teacher, he is a former professor of ceramics at Schoolcraft Community College, as well as the past Director of Ceramics at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.

Written by Samantha Hohmann

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