Andrew Irvine

Andrew Irvine graduated in 2003 from Brown University with a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.A. minor in Visual Arts. While at Brown he refined his study of technical metal, wood, glass and mixed-media sculpture with Richard Fishman. Additionally, he studied ceramics at Rhode Island School of Design under the tutelage of Larry Bush and Jan Holcomb. Since his first introduction to clay in 1994, Andrew has worked to integrate science and ceramics into a 21st-century synthesis of creativity and innovation. He is known for the use of a variety of unusual chemicals used in his clay body and glaze recipes. His sculptural work has been presented in Greenwich, Connecticut through the Greenwich Arts Council and the Old Greenwich Art Society; Solo Senior Thesis Exhibition “The Secret Artist” at Brown University List Art Center; Solo Artist Show Spring 2003, Grad Center Bar, Brown University. He currently makes work at the Black Bean Ceramics Studio in San Jose, California, where he presents his pieces annually. In the Spring of 2013, Andrew had his first professional showing at Fibre Art Design Studio’s Origins Exhibit, in Palo Alto. As of April 2015, Andrew has been showing his recent work as a resident artist at KALEID Gallery in downtown San Jose.

Andrew imparts his love of science to exceptional students at the Harker School where he has taught chemistry in the upper school since the fall of 2007. Before moving to San Jose, Andrew taught physics and volunteered in the ceramics studio a Idyllwild Arts Academy, Idyllwild CA. He also teaches ceramics classes to the Harker community. In addition to developing a body of work, and unique series which combine both chemistry and sculpture, he enjoys creating pieces through personal, collaborative commissions. Andrew lives in San Jose with his wife and daughter with whom he enjoys seeking inspiration through exploring, hiking, camping, and kayaking in the outdoors.

Artist Statement:

Inspired by my academic background in chemistry, I’m constantly seeking, experimenting, and exploring the intersection between science and art. My work draws the two disciplines together to show their complementary interdisciplinary nature. I am driven to create works that integrate science and the arts in a 21st century synthesis of creativity and innovation. Often I employ a variety of unusual chemicals in my clay body and glaze recipes to create unique results. My work is described as otherworldly, evoking connotations of the alien biology or chemistry. Despite this connotation, in addition to chemistry, I draw inspiration from the nature in this world.

My latest exploration is inspired by the experiments of Leo Moser of Moser Glass in November 1927 which resulted in the color changing Moser “Alexandrite” glass. I’ve began developing a series of work based on my own interpretations of his original discovery using the same materials. These new pieces are a mixed-media crossover between surface refraction, color, chemistry, in this case the metameric properties of rare earth lanthanide metals, and process. Due to the f-f-transitions of the Neodymium and Holmium metal atoms contained within these glass nano-layers, they change color ranging from red-purple to soft blue to green, depending on the light in which they are viewed. The resulting viewing experience is unique both because of the environment of display, and because each piece develops its own character based on variances during the process of creation.