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Colby Parsons-O'Keefe M.F.A.
- Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Colby Parsons-O'Keefe teaches ceramics courses and has been a member of the faculty since 1998. Between receiving his two degrees, Colby worked as the potter for a small production pottery in Cincinnati, Ohio. His current work in clay is sculptural, often making use of found objects and other material in addition to clay. The vocabulary of form for these sculptures is derived from various industrial and domestic implements and objects. Colby says of his work, "Materiality is important to me. I am interested in an aesthetic which transforms commonplace or unattractive materials into objects of heightened contemplation. My work is in the realm of the imaginary, and as such I want it to float between recognition and mystery. The forms are intended to have a sense of integrity, as if they were designed for some purpose that is unknowable to the viewer. At the same time, I want them to be absurd, and in a sense playful." |