Artist Bios

Biography

Shane Christensen has been a practicing potter since 1993. He attended Dixie State College and Southern Utah University graduating with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Ceramics and Sculpture. In 1999, he earned his Masters of Fine Arts from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in Ceramics. After graduation, Christensen worked full-time as an Assistant Professor of Art at Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas from 1999-2004. Later, he taught in St. George, Utah at Snow Canyon High School from 2004-2012. From that time until now Christensen has been a Professor of Art/Ceramics at Utah Tech University. His work is primarily folk based utilitarian pottery. Even though this work is based in the American folk tradition, many of the pieces have a Korean Buncheong ware influence appearing in his work as well. His pots consist of simple functional objects to large scale vases and platters with the use of slips, basic glazes and other traditional techniques for surfaces. Christensen’s pottery has been exhibited locally and nationally, as well as internationally.

Artist Statement 

I find great pleasure in creating pottery that is functional. Because of this desire I am always searching for new and exciting aspects to share with the user. To me a pot is successful when it fulfills its intended use, yet still has pleasing form and complimentary surface treatment and reflects the intent of the maker. I like to hear about people that use and enjoy the work I have created. This gives me great reward and ongoing satisfaction. Glazes, slips, Decals and the natural unpredictable results of the firing process allow me to emphasize the unique characteristics of my pottery. I am driven to create vessels that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and still retain their function and balance. Imagery is an important aspect of some of my work. 

The images I use have specific meaning and importance to me, yet the user might not be aware of the specifics. These images are somewhat of a selfish indulgence, in the fact that the maker is only aware of the complete meaning behind the images. Every time I open a kiln and witness the effect of the fire on the pots, I am kindled with excitement, awe, or even frustration. The ancient battle of manipulating clay and controlling fire enthralls my imagination, and helps my work evolve. I believe that when you love what you do and are challenged by it, your mind is challenged and the potential for progression is endless.

A desert boy at heart and an artist blacksmith by trade, I live in the high desert where the sage and pines meet the red rock. I work in a solar powered studio and live “at the end of a dirt road” near Monticello, Utah. My days are filled with creative sparks from working with metal, paint and music. This desert landscape speaks to me, and through my art I answer it’s call. I hope you feel the joy with which these pieces were created.

Sarah Barstow's trilogy of books for Moms fulfills a lifelong dream of becoming an author. The inspiration for the series came from real life experiences that other parents can surely relate to. Moms Can't Get Sick (in which her baby really did puke in her face- on her birthday) ironically came out during the pandemic, with Moms Need a Break following closely after. Moms Count Too is the final book in the series and is both a counting book and a reminder to count your parenting wins. Sarah hopes these books bring laughter & joy to your home. When she's not reading with her son, Zinn (creator of beautiful Beauty Catchers) you can find her hiking or helping Utah Women with their businesses.

Samantha is an artist and fine art photographer based in Moab, UT. She specializes in historic and alternative printing processes and is adept at working across photographic mediums, including film and digital. Much of her landscape work is done through historic photographic printmaking processes and then finished by hand with watercolors, echoing the soft and dreamlike atmosphere present within the desert landscapes. A selection of prints are also shot on 35 mm film, portraying the desert colors as they magically, and naturally are.  Samantha also recently completed a 7 month artist residency with the Southeast Utah group of parks including Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep, and Natural Bridges National Monuments. She is the second photographer ever to be selected.

Living in Moab, Utah, Riley aims to bring the joy of nature as she experiences it into others lives through her art. Her work focuses on the grandeur and intimacy that can be felt in the wild. With bold colors and the use of multiple media such as block printing, painting, and textiles, she creates images that imbue a sense of place on the viewer, which she hopes can connect them to the wild places they visit through her art.