Matthew Gaddie
My studio is located at "The Meadows" (2186 Woodlawn Road, Bardstown, KY 40004), a 315-acre family farm. My work reflects on the ebb and flow of the simple life I grew to admire as a child. My pottery is primarily functional vessels that attempt to communicate the underlying connection I see between the rural, hard working days of my youth and the life I want to live as a potter. The cyclical pattern of throwing, trimming, glazing, and firing are comfortable to a farmed raised laborer who has wonderful memories of planting, weeding and harvesting. In the age of quick marts, high speed connections, fast food, one-stop shopping, I try to live my life slowly and with purpose. In a time of massed produced uniformity I try to create works that are unique, each piece having recorded its own tale of creation, a tale of struggles, of successes, of failures, imperfections and hopes… The human tale. I hope that the quality of my work is subtle and simple and takes time to appreciate. Maybe the first cup of coffee in a handmade mug reminds people, in the hustle of their everyday grind, that things of real value take time. It is my hope that everyone who uses handmade objects will slow down for just a moment to talk, to catch a glimpse of dark soils, to view large open skies, and to connect.

EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS, Ceramics

University of Evansville

GALLERIES

ARTWORKS GALLERY AND GLASS STUDIO 11421 Old Glenn Highway Eagle River, Alaska 99577

CAPITAL GALLERY OF COMTEMPORARY ART 314 Lewis Street Frankfort, KY 40601 502-223-2649

WALNUT HILL FLOWERS&INTERIORS 135 West Main Street Georgetown, KY 40324 859-330-8414

OWENSBORO MUSEUM OF FINE ART 901 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 1-270-685-3181

KY ARTISAN CENTER AT BEREA 975 Walnut Meadow Road Berea, KY 40403

HEARTWOOD CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS GALLERY 21 East Main Street Saluda, NC 28773

INDIVIDUAL ARTIST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD 2006&2008

BEST NEW EXHIBITOR, THE MARKET 2008