Artist: Liz Zlot Summerfield
Liz Zlot Summerfield, NORTH CAROLINA
View Artist's Products
Recontextualizing utilitarian objects is a common thread woven throughout my work. My interest lies in what an object once was and what it can become; this curiosity inspires me to create my work. I reference functional, everyday objects and intend to formalize them by focusing on their form, surface, and stance.
I am passionate about collecting and the theories involved. Why do we collect and display certain objects? What new meanings arise once they are grouped among similar objects? Within a collection everyday objects have the ability to gain importance as members of a whole. They start to become more than the sum of their parts, subtle nuances are noticed, and there is the potential to give value to valueless objects.
I find function a vehicle for expression, while also allowing approachability to my work. Sets, such as creamer and sugars and salt and peppers, lidded containers, and pails are my primary forms. My work is small and intimate in size. These handheld objects are constructed with slabs that softly drape over one another creating three-dimensional drawings throughout the surface of the piece. These lines are kept visible to accentuate the process of the making.
What fuels my interest in the making of clay objects is a constant curiosity to fulfill a set of personal intentions. I believe this continuous search allows my work to remain sustainable and timeless.
Education
2011
North Carolina Rural Entrepreneurship Action Learning Institute (NC REAL), Certification
2001-2004
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Master of Fine Arts-Ceramics
1998-2001
Appalachian Center for Crafts, a division of Tennessee Technological University,
1992-1997
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Bachelor of Arts-Ceramics Smithville, TN. Post Baccalaureate
Teaching Experience
2016
Workshop Instructor, “The Basics and Beyond”, Penland, North Carolina
Workshop Instructor, “The Basics and Beyond, Cary Arts Center, Cary, North Carolina
2011-Current
Adjunct Faculty Professional Crafts Clay, Western Piedmont Community College,
Morganton, North Carolina
Course Responsibilities: Handbuilding 1, Handbuilding 2, Ceramics 1, Ceramic Sculpture,
Craft Design, Art Appreciation, Craft Marketing, Craft Enterprise, Glaze Testing
2015
Workshop Instructor, “The Basics and Beyond”, Arrowmont, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Workshop Instructor, “Roll With It”, The Bascom Center for Visual Arts, Highlands, North Carolina
Workshop Instructor, “Personal Pots Through Soft Slabs”, Idyllwild Art Center, Idyllwild, California
2014
Visiting Artist, Southwestern Community College, Bryson City, North Carolina
Workshop Instructor, “Shake It Up”, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Asheville, North Carolina
Presenter, Handbuilding III: Potters Council Conference, Natchez, MS
2013
Workshop Instructor, “Personal Pots Through Soft Slabs”, Penland School of Crafts, Penland, North Carolina
Workshop Instructor, “Personal Pots Through Soft Slabs”, Lee Arts Center, Arlington, Virginia
2012
Workshop Instructor, Personal Pots Through Soft Slabs”, Shakerag, Sewanee, Tennessee
2011
Workshop Instructor, “Roll with It”, Kentucky Mudworks, Lexington, Kentucky
Workshop Instructor, “Handbuilt with Style”, Odyssey Center for Arts, Asheville, North Carolina
Workshop Instructor, “Soft Slab Handbuilding”. Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
Visiting Artist, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina. February 2011.
2010
Workshop Instructor, “Pots with Personality”, Arrowmont, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Workshop Instructor, “Soft Slab Handbuilding”, Claymakers, Durham, North Carolina
2009
Workshop Instructor, “Handbuilding”, Clayworks, Charlotte, NC
Workshop Instructor, “Elegant & Intimate”, Mudfire Clayworks, Decatur, Georgia
2008
Workshop Instructor, “Handbuilt Functional Pots”, Odyssey Center for Arts, Asheville, North Carolina
2007
Workshop Instructor, “Handbuilding Functional Objects” Sunset River Marketplace, Calabash, North Carolina
2004
Workshop Instructor, “Handbuilt Lidded Objects” Sunset River Marketplace, Calabash, North Carolina
2001-2004
Teaching Assistant, Department of Art, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN
1998-2001
Workshop Instructor, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee.
Outreach Programs:
- Art Comes to School; Hands-on clay workshops for elementary students grades 3-7 (grant funded)
- Hands-on Craft Experience for Elementary School Students; Bookbinding and weaving workshops for 6th grade students (grant funded)
- High School Art/Vocational Crafts Programs; Origami Book workshop for 9th-12th grade art and vocational students (grant funded)
Exhibition/Show Experience
2016
Spruce Pine Potters Market, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Mint Museum Potter’s Market, Charlotte, North Carolina
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR, Iowa City, Iowa
2015
Spruce Pine Potters Market, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Mint Museum Potter’s Market, Charlotte, North Carolina
Prized Pieces: The Makers Collection, North Carolina Pottery Center, Seagrove, North Carolina.
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR, Iowa City, Iowa
La Mesa, Santa Fe Clay- NCECA, Providence, Rhode Island
Graphic Clay, Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore, Maryland
2014
Spruce Pine Potters Market, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Mint Museum Potter’s Market, Charlotte, North Carolina
Digin Pots- A Home Sale Celebrating Pots, Burnsville, North Carolina
Shake It Baby, Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore, Maryland
National Teapot Show IX, Cedar Creek Gallery, Creedmore, North Carolina
Art We Use, Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, Ohio
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR, Iowa City, Iowa
La Mesa, Santa Fe Clay-NCECA, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2013
Penland Ornament Show, Penland Gallery, Penland North Carolina
2013 Winter Show, Greenhill Center for NC Arts, Greenboro, North Carolina
Spruce Pine Potters Market, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Mint Museum Potter’s Market, Charlotte, North Carolina.
20/20, DowStudio, Deer Isle, Maine
La Mesa, Santa Fe Clay-NCECA, Houston, Texas
Tradition & Intuition: Celebrating North Carolina Pottery, Barton College, Wilson,
North Carolina
2012
Built, Schaller Gallery, St. Joseph, Michigan
Source: Material, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, North Carolina
Spruce Pine Potters Market, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Mint Museum Potter’s Market, Charlotte, North Carolina
By Example, Greenhill Center for North Carolina Art, Greensboro, North Carolina
Containment III, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, North Carolina
Paper Plate, Plastic Plate, White Plate, Artist Plate, Penland Gallery, Penland, North Carolina
Nourish, Flow Gallery, Marshall, North Carolina
Small Favors VII, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Functional Ceramics 2012, Wayne Center for Arts, Kent State University, Ohio Craft Museum, Ohio
2011
Interpreting the Cup, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, North Carolina
Spruce Pine Potters Market, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
“New Work-Liz Zlot Summerfield”, AKAR, Iowa City, Iowa
Table Manners, Lark & Key Gallery, Charlotte, North Carolina
Mint Museum Potter’s Market, Charlotte, North Carolina
Featured Artist, Mudfire Clayworks, Decatur, Georgia
2010
Spruce Pine Potters Market, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Mint Museum Potter’s Market, Charlotte, North Carolina
Collecting, Creating, Connecting, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, North Carolina.
Small Favors V, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Constructed, Mudfire Clayworks, Decatur, Georgia
Off the Wheel, Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, PA
2009
30x5, AKAR, Iowa City, Iowa
Handbuilt Clay National, Waynes Art Center, Philadelphia, PA.
Small Favors IV, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Smithsonian Craft Show, National Building Museum, Washington D.C.
Potters of the Roan, Mudfire Clayworks and Gallery, Decatur, Georgia.
2008
Spruce Pine Potters Market, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
American Pottery Festival, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Duets/Pairs, DowStudio, Deer Isle, Maine
It’s Pouring, DowStudio, Deer Isle, Maine
In Triplicate-Potters of the Roan, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, North Carolina.
Line and Color, Mudfire Clayworks, Decatur, Georgia
An Unexpected Line, Gallery 115, Greensboro, North Carolina
From Soup to Nuts, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, Michigan
2007
American Craft Council Show, Charlotte, North Carolina
Gifted Part 1, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Potters of the Roan: Perceptions of Containment, Trac Gallery, Burnsville, North Carolina
The Pitcher Show: An Invitational Ceramics Exhibition, UNCP AD Gallery, Pembroke, North Carolina
Down East Invites Down South, Dowstudio, Deer Isle, Maine
Miniature Power, Mudfire Clayworks, Decatur, Georgia
Scott Summerfield & Liz Zlot Summerfield, Miya Gallery, Weaverville, North Carolina
Potters of the Roan: Group Exhibition, Rocky Mount Arts Center, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Beyond Expectations: New Members of the Southern Highland Crafts Guild, Folk Art Center, Asheville, North Carolina
Put A Lid On It, Mudfire Clayworks, Decatur, Georgia
Potters of the Roan: Group Exhibition, Washington Street Gallery, West Virginia
What’s Cookin: A taste of culinary artwork by southern potters, painters, and photographers. Swan Coach House, Atlanta, Georgia. Invitational Exhibition.
Potters of the Roan: Group Exhibition, North Carolina Pottery Center, Seagrove, North Carolina
2006
30 Something: A Group Exhibition of Local Emerging Artists, Toe River Arts Council, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
San Angelo Ceramic Competition, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, San Angelo, Texas
Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center, East Petersburg, PA
Crisp, Mudfire Clayworks, Decatur, Georgia
American Craft Council Show, Atlanta, Georgia
Through Women’s Eyes, By Women’s Hands, The Women’s Center, Chapel Hill, NC
2005
American Craft Council Show, Atlanta, Georgia
Building Community, Lake Norman Art League, Huntersville, NC
Fall Celebration of Arts, Toe River Arts Council, Spruce Pine, NC
A New Look, River Gallery, Chattanooga, TN
2004
A Marriage of Materials, Sunset River Marketplace, Calabash, NC
Fall Celebration of Arts, Toe River Arts Council, Spruce Pine, NC
College Bowl, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
Refresh, Nash Gallery, Minneapolis, MN. Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition.
2003
It’s Only Clay, Bemidgi Community Arts Center, Bemidgi, MN
Minnesota Clay, Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN
Mandatory, Nash Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
2001
Ewers, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI
Related Professional Experience
2004-Present
Owner & operator, ”LZS Pottery”, Bakersville, North Carolina
2013-2014
Project Coordinator, “Craft’s Business Curriculum”, North Carolina Rural Entrepreneurship Action Learning (NC REAL) (501c3)
Key Responsibilities: Alter existing and write new curriculum to enable craft artists to become successful business owners
2011-13
Steering Committee, Spruce Pine Potter’s Market (501c3)
Key Responsibilities: Oversee all committees, create show bylaws, create and operate mailing database system
Grants & Awards
2014 Regional Artist Project Grant, Mitchell and Yancey County
2014 Ceramics Monthly Purchase Award, “Art We Use”, Athens, Ohio
2011 Regional Artist Project Grant, Mitchell and Yancey County
2005 Merit Award. Fall Celebration of Arts, Toe River Arts Council, Spruce Pine, NC
2004 Best In Show. Fall Celebration of Arts, Toe River Arts Council, Spruce Pine, NC. Juried by Ruth T. Summers
2000 Merit Award. Best of Tennessee Crafts 2000, Tennessee Association of Craft Artists, TN.
Juried Exhibition
Publications/Bibliography
2015 Jones, Bill, “Handbuilding Techniques”, Ceramics Arts Handbook Series
2015 Summerfield, Liz Zlot, “Scaling It Down”, Ceramics Monthly, January
2014 Guinan, Steph, “Digin’ Pots”, Ceramics Monthly, December
2014 Image reproduction, WNC Magazine, “Foodie Gift Guide”
2014 Image reproduction, Amaco Product Catalogue
2014 Hluch, Kevin, “American iPottery”, Kevin Hluch
2014 Handbuilt Forms with Soft Slabs featuring Liz Zlot Summerfield”, Instructional DVD
produced by Ceramics Arts Daily
2014 Summerfield, Liz Zlot, “Solutions to a Slab Plate”, Pottery Making Illustrated, Jan/Feb
2013 Image Reproduction, Amaco Add, Ceramics Monthly, December
2010 Featured Artist, The Laurel, September
2009 Cover Image, Clay Times, Nov/Dec
2009 Image Reproduction, Clay Times, Sept/Oct
2009 Schultz, Katie. “Working Backwards” Feature Article/Cover Ceramics Monthly, April
2009 Amber, Shay, “Ceramics for Beginners: Handbuilding”, Lark Books
2008 “Portfolio: Liz Zlot Summerfield”, Asheville Citizen Times, December
2007 “No Place Like Home: Doing Business Through Open Studio Tours”, Ceramics Monthly,
June/July
2007 Bendin, Dariel, “Liz Zlot Summerfield Workshop At Sunset River Marketplace”,
Alternatives, January/February
2007 Brown, Linda Louise, “Modesty and Passion: Potters of the Roan”, Ceramics Monthly, February
2006 “Crisp”, Atlanta Planet, March
2005 Nichols, Ann, “A New Look”, Chattanooga Times Free Press, January
2004 Bendin, Dariel, “A Marriage of Materials”, Alternatives, November
2004 Bendin, Dariel, “Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash NC, Features Husband and Wife Show”, Carolina Arts, November
2004 “Fall Celebration of Arts Marches On,” Mitchell News-Journal, September
2004 Wilber, Katrina, “The Big Payoff”, The Minnesota Daily, April
Collections
2014 Ceramics Monthly Magazine, Columbus, Ohio
2013 Mint Museum, Charlotte, North Carolina
2008 Martha Connell, Atlanta, Georgia.
2007 Vice President Walter Mondale and Joan Mondale, Minnesota
2004 University Of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2003 Bemidgi Community Arts Center, Bemidgi, Minnesota
Memberships
2004-Current Toe River Arts Council
2006-2011 Southern Highland Craft Guild
2005-2009 Potters of the Roan
2004-2008 American Crafts Council
1998-2002 NCECA, National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts