bio

Andy Bissonnette is a Potter and teacher currently living and working in Minneapolis. His background in graphic design is evident in his work which can be seen through his use of grids, pattern, hierarchy and repetition.
Andy first began making pots as a senior in high school and continued experimenting with clay while pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. He spent nearly a decade in the Advertising Industry as a Production Designer before deciding to pursue his passion for clay and applying to graduate school. In the fall of 2020, he will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he will be a Master of Fine Arts candidate in ceramics.

artist statement

I’m interested in creating surfaces that are rich in texture but also subtly beautiful in their simplicity. I work with limited colors choosing to emphasize form through carving. I believe this juxtaposition between simple, yet elegant forms and complex patterns, creates a dynamic that is approachable while still maintaining an air of mystery; because of this, the complexity of my pieces can only be realized through intimate interaction. My goal is to draw the viewer into the piece because of it’s classical elegance, and then continue to engage them with the intricacy of the surface.

upcoming events

Northern Clay Center • American Pottery Festival • Sept. 2020

selected exhibitions

CLAYAKAR • Yunomi Invitational • June 2020
NCECA • Gallery Expo • 2020
CLAYAKAR • Americano Invitational • 2019
Northern Clay Center • Holiday Exhibition • 2019
Northern Clay Center • American Pottery Festival • 2019
Northern Clay Center/MSP Airport • Duck, Duck, Grey Duck • 2019
The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts • 2019
Plains Art Museum • A Place at the Table Invitational • 2019
Companion Gallery • Last Call III • 2018
Northern Clay Center • Holiday Exhibition • 2017

awards

Ceramics Monthly • 2020 Emerging Artist • May 2020

publications

UNL Newsroom Three Husker ceramic artists selected as Ceramics Monthly 2020 Emerging Artists • May 2020
Oesterritter, Lindsay Mastering Kilns & Firing. Contributing Artist • Oct. 2019
Ceramics Monthly Readership-Wide Contest Grounded • Sept. 2019
Pottery Making Illustrated Incised and Inlaid Tumblers • Sept./Oct. 2018
Room & Board 2018 Catalog • 2018

teaching experience

Fired Up Studios • Beginning Ceramics • 2016 – 2020

gallery representation

Norther Clay Center • Minneapolis, MN • 2019 – Present