Ted Sutherland

"My work is spontaneous, without preplanning. I focus on the randomness of my process to achieve textural forms that are pleasing and evocative."

Ted Sutherland's sculptural work evolves from and responds to the 45 years he spent practicing architecture. Architecture is a form of sculpture, but has extensive, limiting rules. The sculpture created by Sutherland has no such limitations. His work is the antithesis of architecture: spontaneous and random. His work has evolved into objects that are purely for visual pleasure.

Sutherland creates his work from clay using a rolled slab technique. Each slab is textured in a random fashion. Pieces are cut from the slabs as needed during the sculpture's evolution. Each sculpture is dried, then fired twice. Multiple glazes are used to emphasize the texture and form.

Sutherland is an architect. Early on in his practice, he pursued a contrasting outlet by studying pottery at Pewabic Pottery in Detroit. In 2009, he reduced his architectural practice and began working at Buck Creek Pottery in Nelson County, Virginia. In 2011, Sutherland moved to a studio in City Clay in Charlottesville and has been evolving his work ever since.