Abagail Bell

Bio

Abagail Bell (she/they) is a practicing ceramic artist and educator raised and living in Buffalo, NY. Bell focuses on form and surface in her abstract sculptural and functional bodies of work. In her recent functional wares, she spends her time exploring angles and curves, creating seamless, crisp surfaces that speak to the nature of the clay and the hand of the artist. The finish of the surface is equally important, as it complements the form. When she is not developing her relationship with her materials, she shares her love for them with her students.

Bell was educated at SUNY Buffalo State, where she received the Sylvia Rosen Award for Excellence in Ceramics. Sharing her more than 10 years of experience, she currently teaches at Terra Clay Studio, a community-focused studio providing access and education to students of varying ages and experience levels.

Artist Statement

Being rooted in myself and the earth around me helps fuel my connection with clay. I have always been deeply inspired by the interplay of the elements and its evidence in ceramics. Each movement of the clay, the ever-changing body, down to the finishing touches of glazing, is mindful. It is constantly evolving from a place of intuition and investigation. Striking a balance between the natural and handmade in each piece. Each pot resolves new solutions and raises a new question. I strive to find the best way to make the glaze sing on the surface through layering and mixing different clay bodies. By dipping, splattering, and selectively removing glaze from the surface, each pot is unique. From start to finish, ceramics is a mix of art and nature that leads to constant experimentation and wonder.

Exhibitions