CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Dewey Arsee is a San Francisco-based artist who primarily creates high-fired ceramics. Unlike most artwork, Arsee's work is made to be utilitarian, not just in its look but also in its materials and design. Arsee encourages everyday use of his work for two reasons. First, he enjoys the more intimate relationship it establishes with the user. Although he still shows work in fine art venues, Arsee feels the most natural setting for his work is the domestic setting.
The other aspect of functional work Arsee finds intriguing is when different implications of a piece's meaning become pronounced through its use. Pieces such as "Butt Plate," "Cookout," and "Flower Hole Vase" incorporate their various functions as serving plates and vases to a humorous (or uncomfortable) effect.
Obvious comparisons can be made with other functional art of both high and lowbrow culture from Greek vases to Wedgwood china to souvenir tchotchkes. Arsee's work references sources that are equally diverse, and re-presents them in absurd, bawdy, and sometimes poignant vignettes.
The Advocate: Why are you an artist?
Dewey Arsee: I've always been driven to express myself by creating
images and objects. Although I love pleasing others with my work, I
make it primarily for my own expression and enjoyment.I initially gravitated toward sculpture because I liked the experience of touching the object. That's one reason I became interested in ceramics -- it was a very inviting medium which had none of the pretense of preciousness. You really could touch it. You could even eat off of it.
Tell us about your process or techniques.
My work starts with hand-formed objects. I most often begin by throwing on the potter's wheel. Once the form is complete, I apply multiple layers of liquid clay (slip) -- sometimes with added colorants -- which are then left to harden. I carve through these layers to create line or textural patterns, or to carve the image into relief. After the first (bisque) firing the pieces are glazed and fired again.
How do you choose your subjects?
I'm a rabid consumer of images. My work is the presentation of an alternate universe which I create from this ever-growing stockpile. I generally use images I want to promote or subvert images that I find more problematic or distasteful. I get extreme pleasure from this control. Sometimes it feels like a political act and other times just a mischievous joke. In any case, I let my own enjoyment guide me as to what I focus on and the choices I make during the process.
What makes a good artwork to you?
Although I respect that all work does not need to express positivism or be attractive in order to be meaningful, I do think art should somehow present beauty as the artist sees it. Beauty, of course, should no more be boring than it should be repulsive, and when forced to choose between the two, I'm not sure I'd pick the former. However, I think in making work one should strive to represent all the important qualities in life. For me, that includes complexity, absurdity, humanity, and sensuality -- to name a few.
What artists do you take inspiration from and why?
I reference a lot of media in my work, including fine art. Of course, this isn't the same thing as being inspired by it. While I love the work of many artists, I don't think I'm consciously inspired by their particular styles or subjects very often.
The inspiration I get from experiencing great art is the reinforcement that what is most beautiful must always be communicated through a unique voice. I think this is true even though the experience of beauty is shared universally. It's that respect for the unique voice that inspires me to be true to my own when I create and to hone my voice through the practice of my craft.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
31 Period Films of Lesbians and Bi Women in Love That Will Take You Back
December 09 2024 1:00 PM
18 of the most batsh*t things N.C. Republican governor candidate Mark Robinson has said
October 30 2024 11:06 AM
True
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
Trump ally Laura Loomer goes after Lindsey Graham: ‘We all know you’re gay’
September 13 2024 2:28 PM
Melania Trump cashed six-figure check to speak to gay Republicans at Mar-a-Lago
August 16 2024 5:57 PM
Latest Stories
Donald Trump has begun eroding federal LGBTQ+ protections through executive orders
January 20 2025 8:11 PM
Trump’s first executive orders could have devastating effects on transgender Americans
January 20 2025 4:22 PM
11 takeaways from Donald Trump’s low-energy second inauguration
January 20 2025 2:51 PM
Joe Biden protects potential Trump targets by issuing preemptive pardons ahead of inauguration
January 20 2025 10:32 AM
Trump revokes Biden's order that lifted trans military ban, clearing way for new ban
January 21 2025 12:53 AM
LGBTQ+ mental health crisis center says calls have surged with Donald Trump’s inauguration
January 20 2025 4:10 PM
Donald Trump to target transgender rights & diversity with dozens of ‘Day One’ executive orders
January 20 2025 10:44 AM
True
Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood president and feminist activist, has died at 67
January 20 2025 9:52 AM
Donald Trump’s government declares that transgender and nonbinary people don’t exist
January 20 2025 9:23 PM
True
After the Crash: Finding Light Amid Trump's Dark Agenda
January 20 2025 5:17 PM
Dr. King's wisdom can guide us through a dark time
January 20 2025 3:08 PM