ADCI MFA Spotlight: Scott Jones

Scott Jones’ work explores masculinity through the plasticity of clay. Originally from Bryan, Ohio, Scott is graduating with his MFA in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics from Wichita State University’s School of Art, Design and Creative Industries.

What materials and processes do you use to create your work?

I primarily work with clay; however, I also implement other studio practices such as screen printing. I’m currently developing a process relatively new to the field of ceramics: clay-based hydrographic printing. The hydrographic process has this unique ability to stretch, highlighting the plasticity of clay.

What inspires your work?

My current work is an exploration and examination of masculinity through the lens of my own personal experiences—particularly the newness of being a father—especially during graduate school where there can be moments of intensity to work through. It’s all about embracing modern masculinity; a lot of which is rooted in self-empathy. Masculinity has evolved, and the world is establishing new groundwork, my work is trying to catch up to that. It’s not that, “we’re behind,” I think that’s a stretch, it’s just that we weren’t educated. My work is self-reflective; the political aspects aren’t necessarily the inspiration, but the introspective and psychological aspects are.

My work also ties into 60s Abstract Expressionist sculpture and painting - a lot of which was rooted in outdated patriarchal ideology. That’s why I titled my show “Reclaimed,” there’s a lot I’m reclaiming: myself, my own ideas of empathy, but also this form of expression from its past.

Your current work examines your role within your family unit—a role that requires active engagement, healthy communication, and connection. How does your relationship to the properties of clay mirror your relationship with your family?

Clay is so responsive; it sees and hears. Clay is also very impressionable, it has memory—almost as if it has a level of emotional intelligence—so I try to treat clay with the same respect I treat people in general. I try my best not to be aggressive, avoiding cutting or tearing the material. I’m not trying to say that I’m this perfect person – I do mess up. I’m not against trying to let the clay show its other properties, just as I experience more emotions than this gentle passiveness. Those emotions like anger or frustration are still important to feel.

Scott will be exhibiting his terminal project, “Reclaimed: Exploring Empathy Through Gesture,”  in the Clayton Staples Gallery from Wednesday, April 10th to Tuesday, April 16th—with a closing reception on Tuesday, April 16th from 5-7 p.m. in the McKnight Art Center.