Andrew Rivera

Biography

Andrew Rivera received his BFA in Ceramics and Sculpture from The University of Minnesota-Duluth and completed the MN NICE Certificate program at Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis, MN. Most recently he completed a long-term residency at The Clay Studio of Missoula in Montana. He is currently a studio potter at Clay Coyote in Hutchinson, MN. Inspired by function, history, design, and culture, his wares reflect on personal identity and his Mexican heritage. Rivera currently resides in Hutchinson, MN.

Artist Statement:
My current body of work is representative of my Mexican heritage and personal culture. My work is inspired by pre-columbian forms, 19th century Mexican printmakers, and personal experience. I reference pre-columbian forms as a connection to my ancestors and to bring to light a deeply misunderstood aspect of history. Printmakers like Jose Guadalupe Posada and Manuel Manilla were a very important aspect of Mexican history. They used imagery to inform a largely illiterate population and helped propel the Mexican revolution. My use of skeleton imagery is rooted in my culture, a reference to these pivotal printmakers, and a characterization of death. Mexican culture looks at death very differently than American culture. Death is recognized and embraced by Mexico but feared and not spoken of in the United States. I have struggled with anxiety related to death and this work functions to connect myself and others with Mexican ideals surrounding it. My experience as a Mexican American has informed my work. With this background food and family are valued highly. My forms are inspired by history, but also by the food and experiences shared in a contemporary setting.

Source of Biography

https://terraformclaystudio.square.site/s/stories/meet-the-artist

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