About Brian Evans – Ceramist

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:

In my current body of work, I explore the fundamental building blocks of nature by incorporating the classical earth elements. The soft curves of my wheel thrown and altered vessels reveal the soft nature of clay which is born from the earth through the decomposition of rock by means of erosion. My glazes emulate the weathering processes in nature, to include water erosion, oxidation, patinaed metal, and scorched surfaces.
The lines and curves of my sculptural work draw the viewer’s eye around and through the pieces. When the light shines on my pieces, it paints an interesting shadow on the surface and on the wall behind. My tubular sculptures portray curvy playful lines that imply motion that swirls around and extends beyond their own space.