“Using earthenware, I am striving to make narrative representations that all have a unique, human story to tell,” says Ed Byers, “usually of peace and hope—helping to connect to others through our differences.”
How did you get started as an artist?
In 2003 I began working with my partner and friend doing clay in his studio and I was able to begin hand building. I soon found I really enjoyed figurative sculpture and have pursued it since.
Where do you get your best ideas?
Watching people—all the time (when I’m not in the studio).
What is always in your house?
My dogs—looking at me.
What do you love about what you do?
There is not a single day that I don't learn something new and feel excited about a way to put it into my artwork.
Describe an ideal day:
Coffee, comfortable clothes, the clay is working right, not too much distraction in the studio, good music and a nice idea to work with.
What luxuries do you allow yourself?
Cookies
Describe a breakthrough moment:
The moment in my first figurative workshop when I was able to build a large woman figure and we all just looked at it.
Who or what has influenced your art most?
My adventures with my best friend growing up in Alabama. We always collected things and prized our observations of other people, places and cultures.
What do you collect?
In the past I have collected lizards, snails, butterflies, stamps, coins, hermit crabs, leaves, turtles, moss, photographs, fossils & arrowheads. Now I collect art of friends and those works that inspire me. I’m trying to collect some good memories to carry along, as well.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
A picnic with my grandparents on the mountain. Sandy soil, open air, Coca-cola out of the bottle, sandwiches, sunshine and love.
What’s next in your work?
Creating new figurative forms involving spirituality and rural life set in a mystical, old world.
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