Ceramic Artist Tate to Present Exhibit

Jonesboro (Ark.) ceramic artist Zach Tate will present his exhibit, "Never Been to Cambodia," in the University of the Ozarks' Stephens Gallery through Dec. 20 as part of the Artist of the Month Series.

There will be a reception to meet the artist from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 19 in the gallery, located in the Walton Fine Arts Center.

Originally from the Ozarks in southern Missouri, Tate received his B.F.A. in ceramics from Missouri State University and his M.F.A. from Texas Tech University in 2013. Since 2022, he has been the assistant professor of ceramics and head of 3D Studies at Arkansas State University.

He said he is "deeply drawn to ceramics' unparalleled history as a material that is at once art and artifact."

"The idea of function, which is generally associated with craft materials such as ceramics, is compelling," Tate said. "The power of the utilitarian object tied with the potential for surface ornamentation, form alteration, and multiple firings allows for objects manifested in clay to carry numerous uses and connotations: time, containment, preservation, and commemoration. Ceramics' flesh-like qualities before it is fired and its inherent fragility post-firing serve as another avenue of intrigue."

Tate said the literal physical structure of the human is another inspiration in his research.

"The subtle differences within each person, creating millions of variations, coupled with our unique lived experiences is a conceptual driver," he said. "The human archetypes, as understood by Jung drives my understanding of the human experience through the lens of shared and collective experiences which serves as a means for cross-cultural understanding."

Tate said his research "sits at a crossroads" with these observations and interests.

"I use a variety of clays, firing processes, and finishes to make work that deals with these complex issues. Compelled by the maker's hand, I carefully and intentionally craft each piece. I make ceramic objects with the intention of being functional. The language surrounding function gives viewers an entry point to my research: the handle, foot, container…etc. This narrow view of function in my work creates physical and conceptual opportunities in the attempt to find uses for them."

Tate's work has been exhibited internationally, nationally, and regionally since 2007. Along with exhibiting his work, he has been a visiting artist at several universities and art centers around the world and works as an author for several ceramic publications.

His writings cover experiences he has had organizing events, traveling experiences, and exhibition reviews. From 2018-2021 Tate served as a director at large for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts and in 2024 he was selected to serve in the U.S. State Department's Fulbright Specialist Program.

Topics: Art