Work samples
About Brad
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
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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
-Brad Blair
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Spellbound SentinelEarthenware Clay, Apoxie Sculpt, Glass Eye, Faux Hair, Flocking, Earrings, Stone and Glass Microbeads, 10.5x12.5x6in., 2019
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Spellbound Sentinel (Detail)Spellbound Sentinel (Detail), 2019
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A Moment of ConcernEarthenware Clay, Faux Fur, Acrylic Eyes (Created by Camille Smooch), Apoxie Sculpt, Metal Earrings, Monofilament, Swarovski Crystal and Glass Microbeads, 9x8.3.5in., 2019
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A Moment of Concern (Detail)A Moment of Concern (Detail), 2019
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Albinistic BeastStoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Faux Fur, Metal Braces and Glass Microbeads, 9x11.5x9.5in., 2019
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Albanistic Beast (Detail)Albanistic Beast (Detail), 2019
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Celestial DefenderEarthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Monofilament, Apoxie Sculpt and Glass Microbeads, 7x4.75x5.5in., 2019
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Celestial Defender (Detail)Celestial Defender (Detail), 2019
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Double the VisionsStoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Monofilament, Swarovski Crystals and Glass Microbeads, 8.5x9x11in., 2019
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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
-Brad Blair
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Subterranean SwimmerStoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Cast Fish Fins, Apoxie Sculpt, Wire, Faux Hair and Glass Microbeads, 10.5x12x8.5in., 2019
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Subterranean Swimmer (Detail)Subterranean Swimmer (Detail), 2019
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Intergalactic GoonEarthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Monofilament, Faux Hair and Microbeads, 9x8.5x8in., 2018
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Intergalactic Goon (Detail)Intergalactic Goon (Detail), 2018
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Visions of BeyondEarthenware Clay and Metal Earrings, 4x1.75x1.5in., 2018
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Visions of Beyond (Detail)Visions of Beyond (Detail), 2018
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Float OnEarthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Stud Earring and Glass Microbeads, 4.25x3.25x2.5in., 2018
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Float On (Detail)Float On (Detail), 2018
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Crooked Toothed Celestial ChiropteraEarthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Metal Nose Ring, Faux Hair and Microbeads, 6.5x10.75x6.5in., 2017
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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
-Brad Blair
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The RebelEarthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips, Metal Earring, Resin Teeth and Hair, 8.5x8x7in., 2016
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The Rebel (Detail)The Rebel (Detail), 2016
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Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul CatEarthenware Clays, Glass Eyes, Apoxy Sculpt, Microbeads, Found Metal Object and Monofilament, 10.25x10x7in., 2017
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Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat (Detail)Gold Droolin' Galactic Ghoul Cat (Detail), 2017
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Star Dazed in All Kinds of WaysEarthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Cast Teeth, Apoxy Sculpt, Faux Hair and Microbeads, 7x9x8.5in., 2017
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Star Dazed in All Kinds of Ways (Detail)Star Dazed In All Kinds Of Ways (Detail), 2017
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The EradicatorEarthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Teeth, Apoxie Sculpt, Wire, Nails and Faux Hair, 12x11x19in., 2015
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The Eradicator (Detail)The Eradicator (Detail), 2015
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Hypnotically InclinedEarthenware Clay, Faux Hair, Glass Eye and Apoxie Sculpt, 6x6x3in., 2017
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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
-Brad Blair
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Signaled to ConsumeEarthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Resin Teeth, Foam, Phone Antenna, Hair and Metal BB's, 7.5x8x7in., 2015
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Signaled to Consume (Detail)Signaled to Consume (Detail), 2015
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Gilled Space SlothEarthenware Clay, Plastic Fish Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips, Apoxie Sculpt, Faux Hair, Metal BB, Pellets, and Microbeads, 5x5x4.75in., 2017
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Gilled Space Sloth (Detail)Gilled Space Sloth (Detail), 2017
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TwistedEarthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips, Wire and Faux Hair, 8x7x7.5in., 2015
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Twisted (Detail)Twisted (Detail), 2015
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Mantic MantidEarthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eyes, Steel Arrow Tips and Rusted Nails, 13x15x7in., 2015
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Mantic Mantid (Detail)Mantic Mantid (Detail), 2015
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Deep Space Brace FaceEarthenware Clay, Resin Cast Teeth, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Metal Braces, Wire, Faux Hair and Swarovski Crystals, 9x11x8.5in., 2017
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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
-Brad Blair
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OutbreakEarthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Apoxie Sculpt, Resin Cast Teeth, Rubber Tongue with Piercing and Glass Microbeads, 16x7.5x7.5in., 2019
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Outbreak (Detail)Outbreak (Detail), 2019
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Portal HopperEarthenware Clay, Apoxie Sculpt, Glass Eyes, Faux Hair, Metal BB’s and Pellets, Metal Nose Ring and Microbeads, 10x8.25x8.25in., 2017
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Portal Hopper (Detail)Portal Hopper (Detail), 2017
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SpyborgEarthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eye and Metal Washers, 5x5x6.75in., 2016
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Spyborg (Detail)Spyborg (Detail), 2016
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Subaqueous SafeguardEarthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Apoxie Sculpt, Steel Arrow Tips and Glass Microbeads, 17x8x5.75in., 2019
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Subaqueous Safeguard (Detail)Earthenware Clay, Glass Eyes, Faux Fur, Apoxie Sculpt, Steel Arrow Tips and Glass Microbeads, 17x8x5.75in., 2019
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Vulpecular ObserverEarthenware Clay, Apoxie Sculpt, Resin Cast Jawset & Fish Fin, Rubber Cast Tongue and Preserved Fox Tail, 19x10x13.5in., 2016
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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
-Brad Blair
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Galactic CombatantStoneware Clay, 12x8.5x7in., 2019
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Galactic Combatant (Detail)Galactic Combatant (Detail), 2019
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Unearthly ExistenceStoneware Clay, Glass Eyes, Apoxie Sculpt, Steel Arrow Tips, Faux Fur and Metal BB's, 23x16.5x7in., 2017
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Unearthly Existence (Detail)Unearthly Existence (Detail), 2017
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Star BeingEarthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eye, Acrylic Ear Spikes and Found Electrical Part, 12.5x8x10.5in., 2016
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Star Being (Detail)Earthenware Clay, Polymer Clay, Glass Eye, Acrylic Ear Spikes and Found Electrical Part, 12.5x8x10.5in., 2016
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Breeding BlobEarthenware Clay, Rubber Cast Tongues, Apoxie Sculpt, Resin Cast Jawset, Monofilament and Metal Watch Parts, 9x7x7in., 2016
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Breeding Blob (Detail)Brad Blair, Breeding Blob (Detail), 2016
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Awaiting ArrivalEarthenware Clay, Acrylic Eye (Created by Camille Smooch), Monofilament, Apoxie Sculpt, Faux Fur and Glass Microbeads, 6.5x6x7.5in., 2019
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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.
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Opening Reception of PhantasmagoricalBrad Blair at the opening reception of his exhibition, "Phantasmagorical", at the Howard County Arts Council, 2017
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Opening Reception of Unknown, Uncertain and UnexplainedBrad Blair at the opening reception of his solo exhibition titled, "Unknown, Uncertain and Unexplained", at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick, MD, 2017
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Opening Reception of A Breed of Their OwnOpening 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
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Opening Reception of Future UnknownOpening reception and artist talk at Brad Blair's solo exhibition, "Future Unknown", at VisArts in Rockville, MD, 2016
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Vulpecular Observer at Center for the Arts GalleryBrad 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
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Opening Reception of A Breed of Their OwnOpening Reception, "A Breed of Their Own", BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, MD, 2016
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Opening Reception of 47th Annual Open Juried ExhibitionBrad 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.
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Installation Shot of A Glimpse Into BeyondInstallation shot of my solo exhibition at Saratoga Clay Arts titled "A Glimpse Into Beyond"in the summer of 2019.
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Brad Blair Ceramics featured in Hi-FructoseOn 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/
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Bad Blair Ceramics featured in Upper PlaygroundBrad 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.
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Throw/Alter/Add ProcessThis piece was thrown on the wheel, then altered and added to in order to achieve desired results.
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Current Work in ProgressNew 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.
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Multiple Glaze Firings for Specific ResultsI fire my sculptures over and over again until I achieve desired results.
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Painting on Multiple Layers of GlazesI will often layer multiple glazes on top of one another to create specific results for my surfaces.
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Embedding Glass MicrobeadsOne 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.
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Underglaze and Glaze ApplicationThis work has been painted with underglazes and glazes and is now ready for firing.
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Bisque Fired SculpturesHere are a group of bisque fired sculptures ready for their first application of underglazes and glazes.
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Brad Showing off a New Work in ProgressBrad shows off a sculpture in progress in his studio located in northerm Baltimore County, MD.
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Staining Textured Areas with UnderglazesStaining textured areas of the sculpture with underglazes in order to enhace texture.
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Pencil Design for GlazingBrad will often draw lines on his sculptures with pencil to create boarders when applying underglazes and glazes.