NetWorks Rhode Island and the Chazan Collection Exhibition, WaterFire Arts Center (2024) Bio:
David Allyn is an artist whose work is an investigation into the evolution of urban space and culture at the intersection of ceramics and printmaking. His process begins with selecting architectural sites and documenting the locations with photographs as a way to create one of a kind porcelain objects that offer a fresh vision of our contemporary age. Allyn utilizes various silkscreen-printing methods to produce ceramic work that is layered with color and imagery as a method of document and commentary about the urban
landscape.
Allyn received his MFA from RISD and attended undergraduate
studies in Wisconsin, the state of his origin. Upon completion of his graduate studies in 2003, Allyn founded the community ceramics program at The Steel Yard, an arts education non-profit based in Providence, RI now in its 19th year. Allyn has been awarded a McKnight Fellowship and been chosen as a Rhode Island State Council of The Arts Fellow. He has work in several museum permanent collections, including Newport Art Museum, Museum of Art, at Rhode Island School of Design. Allyn currently maintains a full time studio practice at Studio50 in the 50 Sims project in Providence Rhode Island.
Original NetWorks Catalogue Bio:
Performance art was the catalyst for David Allyn’s career as a ceramic artist. His gigs as “Uncle Thirsty” led him to make ceramic cups, which he says led to a “more grounded” approach to his craft. Using photo decals and silkscreen printing on porcelain, Allyn creates one-of-a-kind handmade porcelain objects, filled with color and imagery. His work often reflects popular culture, and a recent series has focused on Providence buildings. Allyn is the founder of the Steel Yard’s ceramics department, where he has taught classes for over a decade. Originally from the Midwest, Allyn graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, before earning an MFA in ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design. He has a full-time studio practice at the Nicholson File Building in Providence, and curates exhibits in his gallery at Monnohasset Mill, Thirsty’s Gallery #104.
Source: NetWorks 2015-2016 Catalogue
Porcelain with screen print, d. 18 13/16 in.
Credits:
Video: Richard Goulis
Executive Producer: Joseph A. Chazan, M.D.
Additional Resources:
- Artist’s website: www.davidallyn.net
- Providence Initiative for Psychogeographic Studies
Highlighting the work of selected artists who have played vital roles in shaping the contemporary visual arts community in Rhode Island. This collection of brief video portraits provides a window into the lives, practices, and cultural contributions of professional artists.
