Bridging Past and Present: A Conversation with Brad Miller & Jolie Ngo

Aug 17, 2023 12:30PM-1:30PM

Presented in partnership by R & Company and Anderson Ranch Arts Center

The world of ceramics has evolved over time into a diverse and exciting medium that has captured the attention of contemporary artists, curators and critics. Join us for a conversation between two prominent artists – Brad Miller and Jolie Ngo – who will explore how their shared connection with Anderson Ranch Arts Center has shaped their practice and their outlook on the future of ceramics. Guests will learn about the history and evolution of ceramics at Anderson Ranch and delve into some of the current trends in contemporary ceramics today.

Brad Miller has been a part of the Anderson Ranch Arts Center for many years, making ceramic works over several decades and facilitating first-hand the growth of the ceramics program. As Ceramics Program Director from 1980-1983 and Executive Director from 1984-1992, Brad shaped and molded Anderson Ranch, not only developing the ceramics program that still thrives today, but solidifying the standing of Anderson Ranch as a major resource for artists around the world. 

On the other hand, Jolie Ngo is new to Anderson Ranch this summer and brings with her a fresh perspective on the art form. Jolie is a Vietnamese American artist based in Philadelphia, PA. She holds a BFA in ceramics from Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from the NYSCC at Alfred University. In true Anderson Ranch style, she blends techniques, utilizing clay 3-D printers to create bright cyborgian design objects that acknowledge early ceramic traditions while smiling toward the future.

Join us in an engaging conversation to find out how Brad and Jolie are pushing ceramics forward, while also honoring its traditional roots.

Panel

Brad Miller

Brad Miller received his MFA from University of Oregon. His work, which revolves around reconfiguring nature’s patterning and structural systems in new and unusual ways, is in the collections of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; The Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the National Museum of American Art, Washington, DC. Brad lives and works in Venice, CA.

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Jolie Ngo

Jolie Ngo is a Vietnamese-American designer based in Santa Barbara, CA. Ngo is revitalizing the metaphoric potential of the vessel form by utilizing clay 3D printing to create bright cyborgian pottery objects that acknowledge early ceramic traditions while smiling towards the future. She received her BFA in Ceramics from Rhode Island School of Design and her MFA in Ceramic art from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.

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