Ceramics
Matt Conlon
New to Spring 2025!
Ogden, UT
Booth 574
Featured Artist
Artist Bio
Matt Conlon creates high-fired porcelain with intricate hand-carved patterns. His work draws influence and technique from both historical and contemporary themes. While many of his forms are inspired by early examples of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese ceramics, the patterns and imagery reflect the simple, elegant structure and color theory found in Art Deco and Mid-Century artwork.
Born and raised in Perry, Utah, Matt gained early inspiration from watching his family members work with metal, wood, painting, and drawing. Although none of his family had formal education in the arts, their creativity and craftsmanship made a lasting and profound impact on him. As a result, Matt began working with many of the same mediums as a child, ultimately discovering his love for ceramics in high school.
Matt has been working with clay since 1999. He received his Associate's degree from Utah Tech University in 2008 and his BFA in ceramics and secondary art education from Utah State University in 2012. After graduating, he taught ceramics at DaVinci Academy of Science and the Arts from 2011 to 2022. He currently lives in Ogden, Utah, with his wife and children, where he runs a studio production in their home studio.
Matt’s artwork has been featured in publications such as 500 Prints on Clay and 500 Teapots Vol. 2. He has won numerous awards while participating in art festivals throughout the country, including Best in Show at the Kimball Art Festival in 2021, Tempe Festival of the Arts in 2023, and Boise Art Museum in 2023. His work is showcased in several galleries and permanent collections throughout the country. He has received national awards, including the Award of Merit in the National K-12 Exhibition in 2004 and 3rd place in the National Undergraduate Exhibition in 2012. Additionally, he exhibits his work in twelve to fifteen juried shows per year.
In the realm of my artistic endeavors, I delve into the profound interplay between functionality and daily aesthetic encounters. My creations, be they meticulously crafted mugs, vases, or teapots, are not merely objects but conduits to immersive daily rituals. I am driven by the conviction that these artifacts transcend mere utility, evolving into cherished components of personal experiences.
Within the crucible of clay, my artistic journey unfolds with a mechanical precision that harmonizes with the raw material's tactile nature. A symphony of craftsmanship unfolds, culminating in forms that are not just utilitarian but bear the imprints of meticulous carving. This transformative process imparts a unique design ethos to my work, elevating it to a realm where function seamlessly melds with artistic expression.
The distinctive hallmark of my pottery lies in the integration of intricate designs and imagery, a visual narrative that unfurls on the surfaces of my creations. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of historical and contemporary design movements, such as the opulence of art deco, the sleek lines of mid-century modern, and the ornate charm of Victorian aesthetics, my work becomes a dialogue between tradition and innovation.
As I navigate through the epochs of design, I am constantly attuned to the evolving narrative of my artistic practice. Each piece is a testament to a meticulous process that pays homage to the past while embracing the dynamic currents of the present. I aspire to create not just pottery but vessels of memory and emotion, beckoning individuals to forge meaningful connections with my creations as they seamlessly integrate into the rhythm of daily life.
In the hands of the beholder, my art is more than an object; it is an invitation to engage, to feel, and to weave personal narratives. It is my earnest desire that, through the tactile poetry of my creations, individuals find solace, joy, and inspiration in the ordinary moments of their lives.
-Matt Conlon.