Daryl McCracken
The plastic quality of clay invites touch and inspires the construction of my work. Building quickly and instinctively, I combine wheel thrown and hand-built elements to create vessels for containing, serving and eating. Surface develops from a visceral response to contrasting elements inspired by things organic and mechanical. Like a tree that has grown around a fence post, I create tension between distinct components alluding both to the characteristic nature of clay itself.
For over 15 years Daryl has been working as a studio artist, college instructor, and museum professional. His career began in undergraduate school, working as an assistant preparator at the Miami University Art Museum in Ohio. Designing and installing exhibitions for two years provided valuable experience into the museum world. After completing his Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Illinois where he was honored with an Excellence in Teaching award, he taught briefly in Illinois before migrating to Houston, TX.
Currently he is an instructor of art history at Houston Community College and Intermediate Ceramics at the Glassell School of Art – Museum of Fine Arts Houston. In addition to teaching, he has conducted many slide lectures and workshops including the “Design and Construction of a Catenary Arch Wood Kiln” near Brenham, Texas in 2001-2002.
As an artist, Daryl focuses primarily on functional and sculptural ceramics vessels. He has exhibited both regionally and nationally and won numerous awards including an Honorable Mention for CraftHouston: Texas 2006. His work can currently be seen at Asher Gallery at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and at Copper Shade Tree Gallery in Round Top, Texas.
