Brian Evans was raised in Western Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1993 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Studio Art. His primary focus was in sculpture and painting. He moved to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1995. He began in ceramics through the Continuing Education program at Cape Fear Community College while searching for an outlet for artistic expression. Brian studied under a Japanese-American Potter named Hiroshi Sueyoshi. Hiroshi has had a great influence on Brian’s work and in his life.
From 2002 through 2008, Brian taught Pottery Classes through the Cape Fear Community College Continuing Education Program. He also became a full-time ceramic artist. Since 2002, He has received various awards at Fine Art Shows and Art Festivals. In 2003, 2005, and 2022, Brian was awarded The Regional Artist Grant for New Hanover County, North Carolina. His work can be found in public and private collections across the nation and abroad. Brian is a founding member of the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild in Wilmington, NC which began in 2007. He is currently the Executive President of Orange Street Pottery Incorporated which is a 501c3 organization that includes Coastal Carolina Clay Guild. Brian began teaching at Orange Street Pottery again in 2016 and is teaching there currently.
Artist Statement:
My current body of work consists of altered wheel-thrown forms that are inspired by curves, lines, and caverns found in nature. The finished pieces exude a quiet sensuality that invites the viewer to touch the subtle curves and flowy lines that draw one’s eyes around the form. These new vessels reflect the curvy lines found in some of my sculptural works. My sculptural work consists of modern abstract designs. These structures are designed using curvilinear and geometric lines and shapes. I am intrigued by how the light and shadow interplay while painting an interesting shadow on the pedestal or wall. The shadow is different depending on the angle at which the light approaches the piece. The patinated surfaces on my work reveal an aged or weathered look on a modern design. I find the juxtaposition of present and past intriguing.
