Craig Crawford
[1981, Textiles]
Based in Jamestown, RI
Wanderlust Ceramics’ RISD Craft Gallery
My ceramic pieces are made from hand rolled slabs which are silkscreened in one color and then formed over plaster molds. More colors can be added after the first firing. I use images from old copper etchings or engravings as well as hand drawn background patterns to create my silkscreens. This technique allows the images to be layered or areas to be masked out and other designs dropped in. Many of the images I use relate to Natural History. I am inspired by the botanists of the 17th and 18th centuries and their skill of recording their detailed observations.
How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?
Although I currently work with clay, previously I was a Jacquard fabric designer for 10 years. I use a silkscreening technique which I learned during my time at RISD and incorporated that as well as hand drawn fabric designs into my clay pieces. RISD prepares you to be creative across different mediums, no matter what your major.
Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.
I am particularly fascinated with the botanists of the 17th and 18th centuries and their cabinets of curiosities. The Nature Lab at RISD, which is an amazing cabinet of curiosity, was one of my favorite places to spend time and I was lucky enough to have a work study there.
Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?
I started making ceramic sconce lighting last year and will be showing these new pieces as well as my tabletop collection.
Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?
Two pieces were featured in the Rhode Island Monthly magazine under local artisans in the Home Design 2018 edition. In 2017 I was awarded a RISCA grant to participate in the show Object of my Affection with 2 other artists at the TF green Airport which was up for 3 months.
