Eric Lewis
Bio
Eric is a Gainesville ceramic artist who began working with clay in 2003 in Daytona Beach, Florida. He later earned his BFA in ceramics from the University of Florida and currently works as an instructor at Studio TM in Gainesville. His work has been exhibited in galleries throughout the region, and he is currently a represented artist at the Charlie Cummings Gallery. Outside the studio, he enjoys trying new recipes with driends, playing acoustic guitar, going on walks with his dog Chuck, and hunting for mid-century modern furniture.
Much of my thrown symmetrical forms are hand-carved using simple wire loop tools. Other pieces begin on the wheel and are later altered by paddling and hand building, creating a more organic form. I use stains and glazes mixed in the studio from raw materials as well as commercial underglazes. I sincerely enjoy creating objects with clay and this passion and energy radiates from within me into the work that I create.
Statement
My work explores the relationship between surface and form through layered color, warm clay bodies, expressive graphic line work, and carefully considered color palettes. Using white slip over red clay, underglaze, and handmade brushes, I build surfaces through repetition, variation, and gesture. The warmth of the clay body remains visible beneath the surface, while stripes, line, and color create movement and rhythm across each form. Influenced by fashion, southern surroundings, vintage objects, and design, I’m interested in building a personal visual vocabulary that balances graphic structure with the warmth and spontaneity of handmade pottery.
