Bertice McPherson | Artist of the Alabama Public Television Art Auction

Artists « Bertice McPherson

Bertice McPherson (Clay)

Bertice McPherson’s human and natural forms—moon heads, suns and figures reaching for the sky—express the positive energy of determination, moving forward, and strength in our ever-changing world. Her ceramic pieces are hand-built and barrel fired, a process that allows the fire and smoke to determine the final surface color. Her life-sized, fused glass torsos present ideas of strength and the fragility of life.

After receiving her BFA in ceramics, McPherson went on to pursue further education at the University of Alabama. As a graduate student, McPherson molded clay into face pots, vegetable and organic forms, and the human torso. After being encouraged by professors to focus her work, McPherson chose the human shape, as it was both common and universal.

McPherson started a series of pieces depicting the human body in armor. She found, however, that clay did not lend itself to the fragile look she was attempting to portray. McPherson attended a glass workshop, read books and, with the help of a Tuscaloosa friend, learned to work with the glass, finding the look she wanted for her armored figures. The glass was fragile, however, and needed support. McPherson began electroplating copper, which she now uses to emphasize the armored look and to provide support for her glass forms.

Selected Exhibitions and Awards
Bertice McPherson Ceramics & Glass, Kryder Gallery, Dahlonega, GA
Honorable Mention, 1st Annual Juried Art Exhibition, University of Mobile, AL
George Ohr National Challenge, 2008
Celestial, The Chesser Gallery, Mobile, AL
The Greater Mobile Arts Awards
Valdosta Collects, Valdosta State University Art, GA

Items in the APT Auction

Clay Sculpture
Moon and Cloud

Bertice McPherson (Clay)

Items in the APT Auction

Related Links