Work samples

  • Double the Visions
    Double the Visions
    "Double the Visions", Stoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Monofilament, Swarovski Crystals and Glass Microbeads, 8.5x9x11in., 2019
  • Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat
    Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat
    "Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat", Earthenware Clays, Glass Eyes, Apoxy Sculpt, Microbeads, Found Metal Object and Monofilament, 10.25x10x7in., 2017
  • Subterranean Swimmer
    Subterranean Swimmer
    "Subterranean Swimmer", Stoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Cast Fish Fins, Apoxie Sculpt, Wire, Faux Hair and Glass Microbeads, 10.5x12x8.5in., 2019
  • The Rebel
    The Rebel
    "The Rebel", Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips, Metal Earring, Resin Teeth and Hair, 8.5x8x7in., 2016

About Brad

Baltimore County
Brad Blair is an award winning artist, adjunct professor at Towson University, gallery coordinator at Harford Community College's Chesapeake Gallery and instructor at Baltimore Clayworks and The New Phoenix Pottery. He recieved his M.F.A. degree from Florida State University in 2014 and his B.S. degree from Towson University in 2009. Using his sense of creativity, imagination and patience, Blair builds detailed sculptural monstrosities to open the minds of viewers into a different reality, the… more

Wall Hanging Ceramics with Mixed Media (Part 1/4)

"The unknown, uncertain and unexplained are the driving forces behind my creative process. Primarily made from clay, my sculptures also include other elements carefully added with great attention to detail. These non-clay parts adorn the works and either blend seamlessly with the ceramic base, or starkly contrast it, adding visual interest. My otherworldly artworks provoke wonder and examination, generating an intangible human experience through curiosity, caution, attraction and fear. While some are symbolic of situations encountered around our world, all of these obscure oddities help convey a message regarding this mysterious life we live, in a universe yet to be fully explored." 
-Brad Blair
  • Spellbound Sentinel
    Spellbound Sentinel
    Earthenware Clay, Apoxie Sculpt, Glass Eye, Faux Hair, Flocking, Earrings, Stone and Glass Microbeads, 10.5x12.5x6in., 2019
  • Spellbound Sentinel (Detail)
    Spellbound Sentinel (Detail)
    Spellbound Sentinel (Detail), 2019
  • A Moment of Concern
    A Moment of Concern
    Earthenware Clay, Faux Fur, Acrylic Eyes (Created by Camille Smooch), Apoxie Sculpt, Metal Earrings, Monofilament, Swarovski Crystal and Glass Microbeads, 9x8.3.5in., 2019
  • A Moment of Concern (Detail)
    A Moment of Concern (Detail)
    A Moment of Concern (Detail), 2019
  • Albinistic Beast
    Albinistic Beast
    Stoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Faux Fur, Metal Braces and Glass Microbeads, 9x11.5x9.5in., 2019
  • Albanistic Beast (Detail)
    Albanistic Beast (Detail)
    Albanistic Beast (Detail), 2019
  • Celestial Defender
    Celestial Defender
    Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Monofilament, Apoxie Sculpt and Glass Microbeads, 7x4.75x5.5in., 2019
  • Celestial Defender (Detail)
    Celestial Defender (Detail)
    Celestial Defender (Detail), 2019
  • Double the Visions
    Double the Visions
    Stoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Monofilament, Swarovski Crystals and Glass Microbeads, 8.5x9x11in., 2019
  • Double the Visions (Detail)
    Double the Visions (Detail)
    Double the Visions (Detail), 2019

Wall Hanging Ceramics with Mixed Media (Part 2/4)

"The unknown, uncertain and unexplained are the driving forces behind my creative process. Primarily made from clay, my sculptures also include other elements carefully added with great attention to detail. These non-clay parts adorn the works and either blend seamlessly with the ceramic base, or starkly contrast it, adding visual interest. My otherworldly artworks provoke wonder and examination, generating an intangible human experience through curiosity, caution, attraction and fear. While some are symbolic of situations encountered around our world, all of these obscure oddities help convey a message regarding this mysterious life we live, in a universe yet to be fully explored." 
-Brad Blair
  • Subterranean Swimmer
    Subterranean Swimmer
    Stoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Cast Fish Fins, Apoxie Sculpt, Wire, Faux Hair and Glass Microbeads, 10.5x12x8.5in., 2019
  • Subterranean Swimmer (Detail)
    Subterranean Swimmer (Detail)
    Subterranean Swimmer (Detail), 2019
  • Intergalactic Goon
    Intergalactic Goon
    Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Monofilament, Faux Hair and Microbeads, 9x8.5x8in., 2018
  • Intergalactic Goon (Detail)
    Intergalactic Goon (Detail)
    Intergalactic Goon (Detail), 2018
  • Visions of Beyond
    Visions of Beyond
    Earthenware Clay and Metal Earrings, 4x1.75x1.5in., 2018
  • Visions of Beyond (Detail)
    Visions of Beyond (Detail)
    Visions of Beyond (Detail), 2018
  • Float On
    Float On
    Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Stud Earring and Glass Microbeads, 4.25x3.25x2.5in., 2018
  • Float On (Detail)
    Float On (Detail)
    Float On (Detail), 2018
  • Crooked Toothed Celestial Chiroptera
    Crooked Toothed Celestial Chiroptera
    Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Metal Nose Ring, Faux Hair and Microbeads, 6.5x10.75x6.5in., 2017
  • Crooked Toothed Celestial Chiroptera (Detail)
    Crooked Toothed Celestial Chiroptera (Detail)
    Crooked Toothed Celestial Chiroptera (Detail), 2017

Wall Hanging Ceramics with Mixed Media (Part 3/4)

"The unknown, uncertain and unexplained are the driving forces behind my creative process. Primarily made from clay, my sculptures also include other elements carefully added with great attention to detail. These non-clay parts adorn the works and either blend seamlessly with the ceramic base, or starkly contrast it, adding visual interest. My otherworldly artworks provoke wonder and examination, generating an intangible human experience through curiosity, caution, attraction and fear. While some are symbolic of situations encountered around our world, all of these obscure oddities help convey a message regarding this mysterious life we live, in a universe yet to be fully explored." 
-Brad Blair
  • The Rebel
    The Rebel
    Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips, Metal Earring, Resin Teeth and Hair, 8.5x8x7in., 2016
  • The Rebel (Detail)
    The Rebel (Detail)
    The Rebel (Detail), 2016
  • Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat
    Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat
    Earthenware Clays, Glass Eyes, Apoxy Sculpt, Microbeads, Found Metal Object and Monofilament, 10.25x10x7in., 2017
  • Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat (Detail)
    Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat (Detail)
    Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat (Detail), 2017
  • Star Dazed in All Kinds of Ways
    Star Dazed in All Kinds of Ways
    Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Cast Teeth, Apoxy Sculpt, Faux Hair and Microbeads, 7x9x8.5in., 2017
  • Star Dazed in All Kinds of Ways (Detail)
    Star Dazed in All Kinds of Ways (Detail)
    Star Dazed In All Kinds Of Ways (Detail), 2017
  • The Eradicator
    The Eradicator
    Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Teeth, Apoxie Sculpt, Wire, Nails and Faux Hair, 12x11x19in., 2015
  • The Eradicator (Detail)
    The Eradicator (Detail)
    The Eradicator (Detail), 2015
  • Hypnotically Inclined
    Hypnotically Inclined
    Earthenware Clay, Faux Hair, Glass Eye and Apoxie Sculpt, 6x6x3in., 2017
  • Hypnotically Inclined (Detail)
    Hypnotically Inclined (Detail)
    Hypnotically Inclined (Detail), 2017

Wall Hanging Ceramics with Mixed Media (Part 4/4)

"The unknown, uncertain and unexplained are the driving forces behind my creative process. Primarily made from clay, my sculptures also include other elements carefully added with great attention to detail. These non-clay parts adorn the works and either blend seamlessly with the ceramic base, or starkly contrast it, adding visual interest. My otherworldly artworks provoke wonder and examination, generating an intangible human experience through curiosity, caution, attraction and fear. While some are symbolic of situations encountered around our world, all of these obscure oddities help convey a message regarding this mysterious life we live, in a universe yet to be fully explored." 
-Brad Blair
  • Signaled to Consume
    Signaled to Consume
    Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Teeth, Foam, Phone Antenna, Hair and Metal BB's, 7.5x8x7in., 2015
  • Signaled to Consume (Detail)
    Signaled to Consume (Detail)
    Signaled to Consume (Detail), 2015
  • Gilled Space Sloth
    Gilled Space Sloth
    Earthenware Clay, Plastic Fish Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips, Apoxie Sculpt, Faux Hair, Metal BB, Pellets, and Microbeads, 5x5x4.75in., 2017
  • Gilled Space Sloth (Detail)
    Gilled Space Sloth (Detail)
    Gilled Space Sloth (Detail), 2017
  • Twisted
    Twisted
    Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips, Wire and Faux Hair, 8x7x7.5in., 2015
  • Twisted (Detail)
    Twisted (Detail)
    Twisted (Detail), 2015
  • Mantic Mantid
    Mantic Mantid
    Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips and Rusted Nails, 13x15x7in., 2015
  • Mantic Mantid (Detail)
    Mantic Mantid (Detail)
    Mantic Mantid (Detail), 2015
  • Deep Space Brace Face
    Deep Space Brace Face
    Earthenware Clay, Resin Cast Teeth, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Metal Braces, Wire, Faux Hair and Swarovski Crystals, 9x11x8.5in., 2017
  • Deep Space Brace Face (Detail)
    Deep Space Brace Face (Detail)
    Deep Space Brace Face (Detail), 2017

Standing Ceramic with Mixed Media Sculptures (Part 1/2)

"The unknown, uncertain and unexplained are the driving forces behind my creative process. Primarily made from clay, my sculptures also include other elements carefully added with great attention to detail. These non-clay parts adorn the works and either blend seamlessly with the ceramic base, or starkly contrast it, adding visual interest. My otherworldly artworks provoke wonder and examination, generating an intangible human experience through curiosity, caution, attraction and fear. While some are symbolic of situations encountered around our world, all of these obscure oddities help convey a message regarding this mysterious life we live, in a universe yet to be fully explored." 
-Brad Blair
  • Outbreak
    Outbreak
    Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Apoxie Sculpt, Resin Cast Teeth, Rubber Tongue with Piercing and Glass Microbeads, 16x7.5x7.5in., 2019
  • Outbreak (Detail)
    Outbreak (Detail)
    Outbreak (Detail), 2019
  • Portal Hopper
    Portal Hopper
    Earthenware Clay, Apoxie Sculpt, Glass Eyes, Faux Hair, Metal BB’s and Pellets, Metal Nose Ring and Microbeads, 10x8.25x8.25in., 2017
  • Portal Hopper (Detail)
    Portal Hopper (Detail)
    Portal Hopper (Detail), 2017
  • Spyborg
    Spyborg
    Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eye and Metal Washers, 5x5x6.75in., 2016
  • Spyborg (Detail)
    Spyborg (Detail)
    Spyborg (Detail), 2016
  • Subaqueous Safeguard
    Subaqueous Safeguard
    Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Apoxie Sculpt, Steel Arrow Tips and Glass Microbeads, 17x8x5.75in., 2019
  • Subaqueous Safeguard (Detail)
    Subaqueous Safeguard (Detail)
    Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Apoxie Sculpt, Steel Arrow Tips and Glass Microbeads, 17x8x5.75in., 2019
  • Vulpecular Observer
    Vulpecular Observer
    Earthenware Clay, Apoxie Sculpt, Resin Cast Jawset & Fish Fin, Rubber Cast Tongue and Preserved Fox Tail, 19x10x13.5in., 2016
  • Vulpecular Observer (Detail)
    Vulpecular Observer (Detail)
    Vulpecular Observer (Detail), 2016

Standing Ceramic with Mixed Media Sculptures (Part 2/2)

"The unknown, uncertain and unexplained are the driving forces behind my creative process. Primarily made from clay, my sculptures also include other elements carefully added with great attention to detail. These non-clay parts adorn the works and either blend seamlessly with the ceramic base, or starkly contrast it, adding visual interest. My otherworldly artworks provoke wonder and examination, generating an intangible human experience through curiosity, caution, attraction and fear. While some are symbolic of situations encountered around our world, all of these obscure oddities help convey a message regarding this mysterious life we live, in a universe yet to be fully explored." 
-Brad Blair
  • Galactic Combatant
    Galactic Combatant
    Stoneware Clay, 12x8.5x7in., 2019
  • Galactic Combatant (Detail)
    Galactic Combatant (Detail)
    Galactic Combatant (Detail), 2019
  • Unearthly Existence
    Unearthly Existence
    Stoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Steel Arrow Tips, Faux Fur and Metal BB's, 23x16.5x7in., 2017
  • Unearthly Existence (Detail)
    Unearthly Existence (Detail)
    Unearthly Existence (Detail), 2017
  •  Star Being
    Star Being
    Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eye, Acrylic Ear Spikes and Found Electrical Part, 12.5x8x10.5in., 2016
  • Star Being (Detail)
    Star Being (Detail)
    Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eye, Acrylic Ear Spikes and Found Electrical Part, 12.5x8x10.5in., 2016
  • Breeding Blob
    Breeding Blob
    Earthenware Clay, Rubber Cast Tongues, Apoxie Sculpt, Resin Cast Jawset, Monofilament and Metal Watch Parts, 9x7x7in., 2016
  • Breeding Blob (Detail)
    Breeding Blob (Detail)
    Brad Blair, Breeding Blob (Detail), 2016
  • Awaiting Arrival
    Awaiting Arrival
    Earthenware Clay, Acrylic Eye (Created by Camille Smooch), Monofilament, Apoxie Sculpt, Faux Fur and Glass Microbeads, 6.5x6x7.5in., 2019
  • Awaiting Arrival (Detail)
    Awaiting Arrival (Detail)
    Awaiting Arrival (Detail), 2019

Installed Artworks and Select Publications

This project displays Brad's artwork installed in various gallery spaces, as well as some select publications.
  • Opening Reception of Phantasmagorical
    Opening Reception of Phantasmagorical
    Brad Blair at the opening reception of his exhibition, "Phantasmagorical", at the Howard County Arts Council, 2017
  • Opening Reception of Unknown, Uncertain and Unexplained
    Opening Reception of Unknown, Uncertain and Unexplained
    Brad Blair at the opening reception of his solo exhibition titled, "Unknown, Uncertain and Unexplained", at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick, MD, 2017
  • Opening Reception of A Breed of Their Own
    Opening Reception of A Breed of Their Own
    Opening reception of Brad Blair's MFA thesis exhibition "A Breed of Their Own" at the Museum of Fine Arts at Florida State University (FSU), 2014
  • Opening Reception of Future Unknown
    Opening Reception of Future Unknown
    Opening reception and artist talk at Brad Blair's solo exhibition, "Future Unknown", at VisArts in Rockville, MD, 2016
  • Vulpecular Observer at Center for the Arts Gallery
    Vulpecular Observer at Center for the Arts Gallery
    Brad Blair's ceramic sculpture, "Vulpecular Observer", in the Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education Faculty Biennial Exhibition, located at the Center for the Arts Gallery, Towson University, 2016
  • Opening Reception of A Breed of Their Own
    Opening Reception of A Breed of Their Own
    Opening Reception, "A Breed of Their Own", BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, MD, 2016
  • Opening Reception of 47th Annual Open Juried Exhibition
    Opening Reception of 47th Annual Open Juried Exhibition
    Brad Blair with his work, "Unearthly Existence", at the opening reception of the York Art Association's "47th Annual Open Juried Exhibition", 2017. Blair's sculpture won an "Award of Excellence" certificte and monetary prize.
  • Installation Shot of A Glimpse Into Beyond
    Installation Shot of A Glimpse Into Beyond
    Installation shot of my solo exhibition at Saratoga Clay Arts titled "A Glimpse Into Beyond"in the summer of 2019.
  • Brad Blair Ceramics featured in Hi-Fructose
    Brad Blair Ceramics featured in Hi-Fructose
    On February 23, 2016, Hi Fructose published an article on Brad Blair's ceramic sculptures by Caro Buermann. See more at: https://hifructose.com/2016/02/23/brad-blair-sculpts-monstrosities-out-of-clay-and-mixed-media/
  • Bad Blair Ceramics featured in Upper Playground
    Bad Blair Ceramics featured in Upper Playground
    Brad Blair's artwork was reviewed in an Upper Playground article titled,“Monster Sculptures by Brad Blair", written by Ariadna Zierold, February 28, 2016.

Process

This project illustrates some of the processes Brad uses while creating  his mixed media sculptures.   
  • Throw/Alter/Add Process
    Throw/Alter/Add Process
    This piece was thrown on the wheel, then altered and added to in order to achieve desired results.
  • Current Work in Progress
    Current Work in Progress
    New work in progress using a red eathenware clay. This piece was first thrown on the wheel, then altered and added, leaving holes for non-clay parts to be attached later in the process.
  • Multiple Glaze Firings for Specific Results
    Multiple Glaze Firings for Specific Results
    I fire my sculptures over and over again until I achieve desired results.
  • Painting on Multiple Layers of Glazes
    Painting on Multiple Layers of Glazes
    I will often layer multiple glazes on top of one another to create specific results for my surfaces.
  • Embedding Glass Microbeads
    Embedding Glass Microbeads
    One of the final steps of my process, I often embed tiny glass microbeads into the work in order to add one more level of detail to the work.
  • Underglaze and Glaze Application
    Underglaze and Glaze Application
    This work has been painted with underglazes and glazes and is now ready for firing.
  • Bisque Fired Sculptures
    Bisque Fired Sculptures
    Here are a group of bisque fired sculptures ready for their first application of underglazes and glazes.
  • Brad Showing off a New Work in Progress
    Brad Showing off a New Work in Progress
    Brad shows off a sculpture in progress in his studio located in northerm Baltimore County, MD.
  • Staining Textured Areas with Underglazes
    Staining Textured Areas with Underglazes
    Staining textured areas of the sculpture with underglazes in order to enhace texture.
  • Pencil Design for Glazing
    Pencil Design for Glazing
    Brad will often draw lines on his sculptures with pencil to create boarders when applying underglazes and glazes.