Brad Blair

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

Earthenware Clay, Apoxie Sculpt, Glass Eye, Faux Hair, Flocking, Earrings, Stone and Glass Microbeads, 10.5x12.5x6in., 2019
Spellbound Sentinel (Detail)

Spellbound Sentinel (Detail), 2019
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), 2019
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), 2019
Celestial Defender

Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Monofilament, Apoxie Sculpt and Glass Microbeads, 7x4.75x5.5in., 2019
Celestial Defender (Detail)

Celestial Defender (Detail), 2019
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), 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

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), 2019
Intergalactic Goon

Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Monofilament, Faux Hair and Microbeads, 9x8.5x8in., 2018
Intergalactic Goon (Detail)

Intergalactic Goon (Detail), 2018
Visions of Beyond

Earthenware Clay and Metal Earrings, 4x1.75x1.5in., 2018
Visions of Beyond (Detail)

Visions of Beyond (Detail), 2018
Float On

Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Stud Earring and Glass Microbeads, 4.25x3.25x2.5in., 2018
Float On (Detail)

Float On (Detail), 2018
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), 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

Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips, Metal Earring, Resin Teeth and Hair, 8.5x8x7in., 2016
The Rebel (Detail)

The Rebel (Detail), 2016
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), 2017
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), 2017
The Eradicator

Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Teeth, Apoxie Sculpt, Wire, Nails and Faux Hair, 12x11x19in., 2015
The Eradicator (Detail)

The Eradicator (Detail), 2015
Hypnotically Inclined

Earthenware Clay, Faux Hair, Glass Eye and Apoxie Sculpt, 6x6x3in., 2017
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

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), 2015
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), 2017
Twisted

Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips, Wire and Faux Hair, 8x7x7.5in., 2015
Twisted (Detail)

Twisted (Detail), 2015
Mantic Mantid

Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips and Rusted Nails, 13x15x7in., 2015
Mantic Mantid (Detail)

Mantic Mantid (Detail), 2015
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), 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

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), 2019
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), 2017
Spyborg

Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eye and Metal Washers, 5x5x6.75in., 2016
Spyborg (Detail)

Spyborg (Detail), 2016
Subaqueous Safeguard

Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Apoxie Sculpt, Steel Arrow Tips and Glass Microbeads, 17x8x5.75in., 2019
Subaqueous Safeguard (Detail)

Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Apoxie Sculpt, Steel Arrow Tips and Glass Microbeads, 17x8x5.75in., 2019
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), 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

Stoneware Clay, 12x8.5x7in., 2019
Galactic Combatant (Detail)

Galactic Combatant (Detail), 2019
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), 2017
Star Being

Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eye, Acrylic Ear Spikes and Found Electrical Part, 12.5x8x10.5in., 2016
Star Being (Detail)

Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eye, Acrylic Ear Spikes and Found Electrical Part, 12.5x8x10.5in., 2016
Breeding Blob

Earthenware Clay, Rubber Cast Tongues, Apoxie Sculpt, Resin Cast Jawset, Monofilament and Metal Watch Parts, 9x7x7in., 2016
Breeding Blob (Detail)

Brad Blair, Breeding Blob (Detail), 2016
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), 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

Brad Blair at the opening reception of his exhibition, "Phantasmagorical", at the Howard County Arts Council, 2017
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 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 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

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, "A Breed of Their Own", BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, MD, 2016
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 my solo exhibition at Saratoga Clay Arts titled "A Glimpse Into Beyond"in the summer of 2019.
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

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

This piece was thrown on the wheel, then altered and added to in order to achieve desired results.
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

I fire my sculptures over and over again until I achieve desired results.
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

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

This work has been painted with underglazes and glazes and is now ready for firing.
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 shows off a sculpture in progress in his studio located in northerm Baltimore County, MD.
Staining Textured Areas with Underglazes

Staining textured areas of the sculpture with underglazes in order to enhace texture.
Pencil Design for Glazing

Brad will often draw lines on his sculptures with pencil to create boarders when applying underglazes and glazes.