Kiln Pad Pop Up | Alex Thullen

May 6, 2018

Pewabic hosts the recent studio work of Alex Thullen at the year’s first Kiln Pad Pop-Up, 1-4 PM, Sun. May 6.

Thullen's artwork – planters, plates, bowls, lidded jars and vases – strongly reflects his exploration of ceramic processes and architectural designs and is available for purchase on a cash-and-carry basis at this one-day exhibition on Pewabic's courtyard kiln pad, held rain or shine.

"Much of the geometric carving that I use to decorate my work is derived from the shapes and patterns used in architectural ceramic embellishments, from tile to brick and beyond," explains Thullen, who joined the staff of Pewabic as an instructor in 2005, the year he received his BFA from Wayne State University. He is currently glaze development specialist. "For this exhibition, I was interested in incorporating design elements from a few of my favorite historic Pewabic architectural tile installations. Two of these pieces are vases with carved geometric patterns influenced by Detroit's Guardian Building and the Saarinen House fireplace at Cranbrook Academy of Art."

Thullen exhibits his work throughout the United States, and his honors include being named a Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist in 2015, as well as awards from the Kansas City Clay Guild, the Michigan Ceramic Arts Association, and best in show at Pewabic’s Maker/Mentor exhibition in 2017. His work was featured in the January 2018 Ceramics Monthly.