Please welcome NEW Quinlan instructor, Al Harriett!

Al Harriett will be teaching the art of Ceramic Carving at the Quinlan this winter. 

Artist's Statement:

I was first exposed to “pottery” (clay) when I visited Sea Grove, NC, in 1994. Visiting many of the well known potters in the Sea Grove area inspired me to seek out learning opportunities in Miami after I retired in 1995. Fortunately, I was allowed to enroll in ceramics classes at Florida International University, Miami, Florida.  There I learned what a challenge clay could be: I also learned that I enjoyed working in clay and being with people who are passionate about their art. It was at FIU that I was exposed to porcelain and how amenable it is to etching, carving, and piercing. I consider porcelain to be the ultimate challenge. I like experimenting with it; I do not care whether it is functional or an art object. It is the perfect “canvas” for satisfying my life long obsession with doodling.  I particularly like carving trees, birds, flowers, and other images of nature. After FIU, I became a member of the Ceramic League of Miami.  It was there that I was exposed to ceramic artist such as Lena Wilson, Robin Hopper, Linda Arbuckle, Cynthia Bringle, McKenzie Smith, David Greenbaum, etc.  These well known artists continue to inspire me as I seek to make the perfect porcelain piece!