Curriculum Vitae
Osa Atoe
943 Patterson Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34234
Artist Statement
I create functional and decorative pottery that explores the ideas of timeless beauty and human universality by referencing historical forms. In lieu of being raised with a pottery tradition, I form relationships with and study the work of ceramicists who came before me. I seek to build a vocabulary of forming, decoration and firing techniques that link my work to a lineage of potters extending back to Nigeria, where my parents immigrated from in the 1970s. In this way, my work reflects the values I was raised with, namely, respect for the wisdom of elders and the identification of oneself within family and community.
Education
2018: Post-baccalaureate certificate, Ceramics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
2007: Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Portland State University, Portland, OR
Professional Experience
2015-present: Studio Potter, Pottery by Osa, Sarasota, FL
2014: Studio Assistant, Rachael DePauw Pottery, New Orleans, LA
2013-2014: Work Trade, Hands in Clay, New Orleans, LA
Teaching Experience
2022: Sarasota Clay Company, Intermediate Wheel Throwing, Sarasota, FL
Arrowmont School of Crafts, “Pattern Play” with Jen Allen, Gatlinburg, TN
Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts "Finding Inspiration in Your Cultural Heritage," Sugarmaples, NY
2021: Companion Gallery, Humboldt, TN (Virtual)
The Potters Class (Virtual)
2020: POT, Los Angeles, CA
2019: Throw Me Something, Baton Rouge, LA
The Knock Knock Museum, Baton Rouge, LA
2018: The Journey Lab, Baton Rouge, LA
Residencies
2022: Jabu Nala, Mudflat Pottery School & Studio, Somerville, MA
2019: Pentaculum, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN
Grants & Awards
2022: The Studio Potter Grants for Apprenticeship with Birdie Boone
Publications
2020: "Navigating an Evolving Market (Part I)," The Studio Potter
"The Joy of Making," Ceramics Monthly
Volunteer
2021: Ceramics Mentor
Founder, Kaabo Clay Collective
Solo Exhibitions
2022: “The Sea Is Alive in Me” Art Center Sarasota, Sarasota, FL
Invitational Group Exhibitions
2022: "Teapot IX Biennial" Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore, MD
2021: "Contemporary Pattern" Companion Gallery, Humboldt, TN
2020: “Pots from a (Social) Distance” Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
“Critical Function 2” NCECA, Visual Arts Center, Richmond, VA
2019: "Art of the Cup" Ogden Museum, New Orleans, LA
“Collaborative Companions” NCECA, Minneapolis, MN
2018: “ONE & ONLY: Gifts Made by Hand” John Michael Kohler Arts Center
"Coffee & Clay" Pottery Northwest, Seattle, WA
"You Can Touch" LSU Post-Bacc Show, Firehouse Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA
"American Graphic" NCECA, Samantha Skelton Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
"Ceramicidal Tendencies" NCECA, Bunker Projects, Pittsburgh, PA
2017: "Art of the Cup" Ogden Museum, New Orleans, LA
2016: "Wishlist: Art of Sharing" 5 Press Gallery, New Orleans, LA