Harry Mestyanek
Artist Statement:
I begin by creating space and making time for the participant; to slow down, to pause, to touch, to hold. I establish equity, a sense of balance, a sense of harmony. We have something in common, something shared, a point of exchange. The participant can engage my work in a tangible way; they may choose to take part visually, physically, or both. The viewer then becomes a translator and can inhabit the work. Minimalism and repetition enable my work to be visually accessible. Blending the time-honored practice of ceramics with contemporary digital technology continues to be a component of my art practice.
Bio:
Harry completed his Master of Fine Arts graduate degree from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington in May of 2020. Since beginning that program in the Fall of 2018, he has expanded his interests from traditional, wheel-thrown pottery to creating sculptural ceramic artworks with the aid of state-of-the-art digital technologies and tools. He is also pursuing methodologies involving plaster mold fabrication and porcelain slip casting, with the aid of contemporary digital technology.
A native Southern Californian, Harry grew up, pursued a degree in landscape architecture (B.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 1978), and raised his family there. His ceramic arts practice also began there alongside his 40-year career in landscape architecture. He founded his own landscape architecture and urban design firm in 1994 in San Diego, California. After its founding, IVY Landscape Architects quickly became a sought-after landscape design studio, successfully completing projects throughout the southwest region of the United States. Harry directed the design and operations activities at IVY for twenty-four years before moving to the Inland Northwest.
His art practice has been nurtured and expanded by his recent experiences and explorations at Washington State University. Both his home, where he lives with his wife Colette, and his studio are in north Spokane. In addition to his studio art practice, Harry maintains an Adjunct Faculty position in the Art Department at Gonzaga University, where he teaches 3D Design.
