RUSSELL
"It starts with the clay."
Christopher Russell has been working with clay for over 30 years. In his latest vessels and wall pieces, dynamic in structure and decoration, he is inventing new forms and surfaces, pushing ceramic’s possibilities. Each unique piece stands alone as an artwork while complementing interior and architectural spaces.
Studio: Sculpture Space NYC
CHRISTOPHER
CERAMICIST
RUSSELL
From the Studio:
TOWARDS YELLOW

I have always worked in series, with one piece leading naturally to the next.. The series evolves, and at some point it feels complete.
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Sometimes the next step is obvious, there’s a new series in my head that I urgently need to begin. But sometimes I find myself thinking, “What comes next?”
These moments are really important. Things are wide open.
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We were walking around Detroit, and my wife said out of nowhere, “What about yellow?” And I said, “Yellow.”
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I had never worked with yellow. What could happen if I just started with a color, and let things roll?
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I didn’t have yellow glazes, so I had to come up with some. A whole, unexpected palette developed.
What kind of shape should I put yellow on?....
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And that’s how it starts.


Studio: Sculpture Space NYC
Using my iPad and cardboard, I developed and mocked up new vessel forms, and made pattern pieces for building them in clay.
I played around with a new idea, making photocopies of glazes and using them to map out how I would approach the surfaces.
For me, yellow is intense, high pitch, electrical. I’m making jagged, complex pieces that can handle it.
NEWS

CONTACT
To get in touch with Christopher Russell please email
info@christopherrussellceramicist.com
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Christopher Russell is represented by TODD MERRILL STUDIO
For sales inquiries please email info@toddmerrillstudio.com or call 212-673-0531
© 2021 Christopher Russell
All Image Rights Reserved by Photographers: Christopher Russell & Sean Davidson
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