Jamie bates

bio

Jamie Bates, originally from Cameron, Missouri, is a ceramic artist celebrated for their exploration of identity and mental landscapes through figurative sculpture. Holding an MFA in Ceramics from the University of Kansas and a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Central Missouri, Bates skillfully employs scale, composition, and surface to challenge societal norms and address themes such as mental health, sexuality, and gender. Their work has garnered recognition in solo and group exhibitions and social media, captivating audiences with its thought-provoking depth and emotional resonance. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Ceramics at the University of Oklahoma, Bates continues to inspire and educate emerging artists while further developing their own practice. Bates has also participated in prestigious artists residencies across the US, further enriching their artistic practice and expanding their creative horizons. Through their work, Bates invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of the human experience, fostering dialogue and introspection.

artist statement

"In my studio practice, I delve deeply into the intricacies of my identity and mental landscape, employing scale, vignette, composition, and surface to provoke and challenge societal norms. By addressing themes such as mental health, sexuality, and gender, my work resonates on a universal level while also reflecting my own personal experiences and struggles.

In addition, I am beginning to explore the fascinating crossover between psychology, witchcraft, and mythology, drawing inspiration from Jungian Psychology, ancient symbols and archetypes to uncover deeper connections between these realms. Through sculpture, I give form to my innermost thoughts and emotions, allowing them to take shape and evolve as I navigate the complexities of the human condition.

In my studio practice, I confront anxieties and unearth revelations, using my art as a conduit for self-exploration and expression. Ultimately, my artistic journey serves as a dynamic self-portrait, capturing the ever-changing landscape of my physical and mental evolution. It provides a space for me to communicate feelings and ideas that were once suppressed or obscured by societal constructs and stigma, fostering a sense of catharsis and empowerment.