There are so many accomplished potters on the scene today that it's sometimes hard to choose who to feature. This time though, the decision was easy. Jeremy Briddell and Adam Silverman are two artists whose works are currently on display alongside the classic masterpieces of Gertrud and Otto Natzler at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, Oregon. The exhibit organizers chose these two men because their pottery demonstrates the influence that the Natzlers' work has on ceramics today.
Jeremy Briddell began as a studio assistant for Missouri ceramicists John Balestreri, Jun Kaneko and Ken Ferguson. He earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in ceramics. His work is considered to be a modern expression of mid-century modernism and resides in some very prestigious collections, both public and private.
Briddell currently works from his home in Tempe, Arizona with his wife Cyndi Coon, who is a multi-media artist. Together, they showcase their creations on a website called Laboratory 5.
Adam Silverman has been making pots pots for friends and family for over 25 years, but he didn't decide to turn pottery into a career until after he worked as an architect and started a successful clothing business. After the tragedy of 9/11, Silverman's priorities changed, and he decided to leave the profit-driven business world. He has been a professional potter since 2002 under the name Atwater Pottery.
Adam Silverman combines contemporary designs with non-traditional glazes to create modern day masterpieces. His work resembles classic art pottery, but has its own distinct personality. He has been featured in several US and international publications, including the May 2007 issue of the New York Times and the September 2008 issues of the UK's Elle Decoration.
Silverman's most recent accomplishment is becoming the Studio Director of the new Heath Ceramics retail studio facility in Los Angeles. September 2008 marked the 60th anniversary of this mid-century era pottery, and they celebrated by partnering with Adam Silverman to open a second retail location. Silverman's pottery can be purchased from several galleries, including Heath Ceramics.
