Ben Hammond, fine arts senior with a concentration in ceramics, is immersing himself in his art. He is constantly expanding his portfolio and said he someday hopes to be educating students in his own studio.
Hammond said as a kid he always felt a passion for art and the need for creating new things. He started taking oil painting and drawing lessons at age 10.
“I excelled in art classes through grade school, enjoying every minute of it. I grew up in a small town in the country. There were no art galleries or shows for me to attend there. Most of my involvement with the art scene began when I moved closer to Louisville after starting IU Southeast,” Hammond said.
Hammond said he is intrigued by the ceramic medium itself.
“Once I started working with clay it was an instant connection,” Hammond said. “The idea of creating tangible objects from the earth itself defined for me the essence of creating something out of nothing.”
John Guenther, associate professor of ceramics emeritus, introduced Hammond to ceramics in 2005.
Hammond said Guenther was an inspiration and mentor for him when he started, showing him that art could be functional.
Hammond credits Guenther for teaching him how to use the potter’s wheel and how to create good pottery.
“Ben’s art is evolving, he has a clear vision of what he wants to do with his art and he is working toward his career goals in a logical fashion,” Guenther said.
Guenther said he has offered words of wisdom and encouragement to Hammond, reminding him to keep working on his portfolio while keeping an open mind to new areas of creativity.
“I want Ben to understand being an artist is not an easy profession, but do not become discouraged if doors are not opened right away,” Guenther said. “It will take a while to be recognized for his talent and uniqueness, but as long as he doesn’t give up he will go far.”
Another big influence in Hammond’s art is associate professor of ceramics, Brian Harper. Hammond is an intern with Harper this semester.
“Brian’s conceptual way of thinking has broadened my perspective on using ceramics as a material to make art, not pottery,” Hammond said.
Harper said he has really seen Hammond progress as an artist since the two began working together.
“Ben’s progress is evidence of his activity in the search for new methods and ideas in his ceramic work. When a student nears the end of their undergraduate work, it is always exciting to see where their work leads them.
In Ben’s case, his artwork has opened multiple opportunities and I am looking forward to seeing his work develop even further,” Harper said.
Harper said he knew Hammond would benefit from the internship program offered through the ceramics department because Hammond has the desire to run his own studio one day.
Harper explained that the classroom instruction for art students only goes so far and with the internship a student can find out how to take care of and maintain their own studio someday, as well as have a space to further their work on their portfolio for the future.
Hammond is a member of the Louisville Clay Club, and president of the Dirt Bags, a pottery club at IU Southeast.
Hammond also said he considers himself an environmentalist and he works hard to try and incorporate earth and nature themes into his work.
“I love to be outdoors doing things, I plant a garden every spring, and I enjoy camping, hiking and snow skiing,” he said.
“Last fall I started incorporating nature into my art and remembering that as a child I loved to build things,” Hammond said.
“Coming from a family where many of the men are in construction, I realized that was part of who I am as an artist as well,” he said. “All of these things relate to a true interest I hold within and so my motivation to create art that reflects the idea of how we as people construct within the life that we are given on this earth is now the concept behind my work,”he said.
By SARAH LEE
Staff Writer
sbl327@ius.edu