Bio
Claude Cooper is a sculpture artist based in Minneapolis Minnesota. Their work explores the vulnerability within relationships and the preset expectations most of the population experiences. She has a history working and teaching ceramics, she has spent time at Clay Works in Ann Arbor, Michigan and currently works with Eagan Art House and Northern Clay Center teaching community classes. Claude’s main focus is teaching teens and exploring alternative firing practices with their students. In their practice, teaching and creating art is a single act, and they are committed to celebrating each student, teacher, and staff member as an integral part of the community. Their interaction with people, particularly the kiddos and families, inspires them to create.
Promise, 2020
About my work…
We create associations which then tell the body and mind what to do and/or think; it creates relationships. The connection that the brain makes is usually subconscious until it is challenged or acknowledged. It is important to challenge and reinforce neuro pathways by dissecting the maker’s relationship has with the material and themselves. During the process of making the artist forms a connection with the material to the mind forming a transactional loop.
Being able to contemplate, respond and weigh the different biases. Removing the self from the art briefly allows the artist to view the subject from a different perspective making it more dynamic and rewarding work.
Different materials can foster different types of associations. The choice of form and material dictates the visceral association of the body and how relationships are experienced. Formulating a cathartic response allows for growth within the artist’s practice, sorting through intense reactions. Having a familiarity with experimentation and failures creates a dialogue with the materials, it strengthens the pathways created while learning.
JCUW, 2021
Education
BFA in Fine Arts Studio, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN, 2021
AAS in Animation, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI, 2019
Work Experience
2023- Current Teaching Artist, White Bear Center of the Art, White Bear, MN
2022 - Current Teaching Artist, Eagan Art House, Eagan, MN,
2022 -Current Technician, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
2019 - Current Teaching Artist, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
2022 - 2022 Glaze Technician, Deneen Pottery, St. Paul, MN,
2020 - 2021 Shop Staff, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, MN
2019-2020 Production Artist, Grey Fox Pottery, Minneapolis, MN
2018-2019 Studio Assistant, ClayWorks, Ann Arbor, MI
Exhibitions
2023 Reflections, City of Eagan, Eagan, MN
2022 All In, Metal Museum Fire Conference, Memphis, TN
2021 Commencement Exhibition, MCAD, Minneapolis
2021 Transformations, Holland Arts, Minneapolis, MN
2021 Made at MCAD, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, MN
2019 Washtenaw Community College Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI