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My Ceramics

In the studio I like to do	Handbuilding, Sculpting
Clay body	Porcelain
Clay Brand	Standard Clay Grolleg Porcelain 257
Kiln Type	Electric Kiln
Kiln Atmosphere	Reduction Atmosphere
Temperature	Cone 6
Glaze	I usually use Kiwi Underglazes and very little, if any, glazes.
You can buy my work from	My website and galleries

About Me

Introduction	My name is Arkady Thompson. I love in New Jersey, USA. I work in primarily translucent porcelain. I use hand building techniques to create lanterns with images on the inside of the pieces that glow through and show on the outside. I use underglazes and highly detailed carvings to create dramatic landscapes to accent the lanterns. I also sculpt very realistic creatures in white or colored porcelain or brown bear clay. I am interested in the natural world and ancient cultures and different ways to incorporate those things into my artwork. I enjoy creating artwork that evokes a deep connection to nature and brings joy and peace through those connections.
What I Love about Ceramics	I love the endless possibilities that clan can give through the creative process. I love that the only limitations I have found is my abilities and my imagination. I am always challenged and surprised by clay.
How I started with ceramics	I found clay in my undergrad program but truly fell in love with porcelain in 2019.
What inspires me	Nature is a huge inspiration. Especially landscapes and the changing seasons. As well as my passion for archaeology, mythology, and the natural sciences.
What I'm working on at the moment	A lantern in the shape of a life size dive helmet depicting the destructive power of the ocean. And a nautilus shaped lantern depicting the various “layers” of the ocean using multiple decorative techniques.
My Artist Statement	I create handmade sculptures and lanterns out of a variety of porcelain clays. I usually little glaze, preferring to place an emphasis on the natural beauty of the clay and the subject matter. My artwork is a culmination of many passions and interests and my own drive to innovate, experiment, and push the boundaries of not only the medium, but my skills as an artist. Much of my artwork is inspired by my fascination with the natural world and my passion for archaeology and how those two elements are constantly intertwined and influenced by each other. Each piece is created from the mundane elements of earth, air, and water, conceptualized and formed by the artist’s spirit, and transfigured and transformed in the unpredictable element of fire.
My CV	Education Bachelors in Art and Archaeology from Hood College Graduation 2010 Master’s in Business of Art and Design from Maryland Institute College of Art Graduation 2025 The Ceramic School online programs Solo Exhibit The Nature that Moves Me, Erica Gardner, Rowan University, Sewell, NJ, Winter 2025 Group Exhibit Animal Instinct, Beth DiCara, Evening Start Studio Gallery, Jersey City, NJ, Fall 2025 Bookfest, Leslie Sommers, Denville, NJ June 2025 Senior Studio Art Capstone Gallery exhibit, Hood College, Frederick MD, Spring 2010 Upcoming Group Exhibits and Shows Greenwich Fine Arts Faire, Greenwich, NJ September 2025 The Witchery, Two Girls Media, Denville, NJ October 2025 Help, Hope, Live Fundraising Gala contributing artist, October 2025 Publications Canvas Rebel, Interview with the Artist, Spring 2025 MICA Graduate Capstone Online Exhibit Summer 2025