Artist Statement:This ongoing body of work explores the expansive versatility of clay as a medium. With attention to its ability to move between fragility and strength, evolving in its permanence.The interwoven ceramic rings become a meditation on connection and isolation. Each link is singular, self-contained, and vulnerable; together they form a resilient whole. This tension between the rings creates a narrative that mirrors the human condition: the way identity is shaped both individually and collectively, the way we remain bound to one another even in experiences of solitude.In working with clay, I treat material as an active participant capable of carrying memory, shaping narrative, and archiving experience. The chainmaille is both structure and metaphor: a skin, a net, a shield, a threshold. Through scale and repetition, the works invite viewers to consider how we hold ourselves in relation to others, how we navigate belonging, and how even the most delicate bonds can create strength when joined in multiplicity. Artist Bio: Ash Reardon King is an interdisciplinary artist based in Upstate New York whose practice centers on identity, transformation, and the power of material as a vessel for connection and collective narrative. Working primarily in ceramics, King explores the ways objects can hold memory, embody social histories, and reflect the continuous process of becoming.King earned their BFA in Ceramics from Boise State University in 2021. Having lived across 5 states, their background informs a practice grounded in movement, transition, and the forging of connection through place and community. Following their studies, King returned to Upstate New York, where they became a Resident Artist at The Studio in 2022, and is currently the Co-Founder and Artist-in-Residence of Context Collective, a collaborative ceramic studio and gallery in Troy, NY. Their work has been exhibited nationally, and they are the recipient of multiple awards and grants supporting both their studio practice and community-based projects. King is also active as a curator and grassroots organizer, fostering dialogue around identity, social systems, and collective authorship.Through tactile engagement with clay and other materials, King examines how art can serve as a living archive—holding space for personal histories, social norms, and the ever-shifting line between the individual and the collective. CV: Education2019-2021 BFA in Ceramics, Boise State University Boise, ID2012-2014 Community College of Phila, Art and Design Program. Philadelphia, PA2006-2008 AA in Photography, Antonelli Institute. Erdenheim, PA Related Experience2024-present Cofounder of A Third Space. Albany, NY. Cofounder of Context Collective. Troy, NY.2023-present Ceramic Instructor. Arts Center of The Capital Region. Troy, NY2023-2024 Founding Member and Residency Coordinator. The Studio. Troy, NY.2023 Artist in Residency Coordinator. Camp Unirondack. Lowville, NY Volunteer Coordinator. Camp Unirondack. Lowville, NY.2022 Ceramic Instructor. Camp Unirondack. Lowville, NY 2020-2021 Teaching Assistant to Caroline Earley. Boise State University. Boise, ID Studio Assistant to Julia Ballenger. Boise, ID Ceramic Instructor. The Potter’s Center. Boise, ID2019-2021 Student Studio Technician. Boise State University. Boise, ID2017-2018 ArtEAST Open Ceramic Studio Supervisor and Studio Technician. Issaqua, WA2017 Studio Intern and Kids Camp Instructor. Saratoga Clay Arts Center. Schuylerville, NY Teaching Assistant to Allora McCullough “Handbuilding Tableware”. Saratoga Clay Arts Center. Schuylerville, NY2016 Studio Intern and Kids Camp Instructor. Saratoga Clay Arts Center. Schuylerville, NY Teaching Assistant to Ted Camp “Salt Magic”. Saratoga Clay Arts Center. Schuylerville, NY Artist in Residence2024-present Artist in Residence. Context Collective. Troy, NY2023 Resident Artist. The Studio. Troy, NY2022 Artist in Residence. Camp Unirondack. Lowville, NY2019-2020 Resident Artist. Pugmill Society at Equinox Studios. Seattle, WA2018 Resident Artist. Blue Cone Studios. Seattle, WA Exhibitions2025 Objects of Affection Carrie Haddad. Hudson, NY. Love Note Context Collective. Troy, NY. Shop Feature Clay Arts Center Invitational. Port Chester, NY. Fence Arts Center of the Capital Region. Juried Member Show. Troy, NY. Connections in Context Context Collective Invitational. Troy, NY. Elevated in Context Context Collective Invitational. Troy, NY.2024 Pottery Pals in Context Context Collective Invitational. Troy, NY.2023 Holding Space Clay Art Center Invitational. Port Chester, NY.2021 This Must Be The Place Second Floor Installation Space. Boise State University. Boise, ID. Solo Exhibition. Annual Student Juried Online Exhibition Boise State University. Boise, ID. Juried (Third Place) Spring 2021 BFA Exhibition Blue Galleries at Boise State. Boise, ID. 2020 Queer and Dear Saltstone Ceramics Invitational. Seattle, WA.2018 Staff Show Pettirosso. Seattle, WA. Parts Assembled Pettirosso. Seattle, WA. Collaborative Exhibition. Femme, not Frail Americana. Seattle, WA. Solo Exhibition.2013 Spring Student Show Community College of Philadelphia Atrium. Philadelphia, PA. Curatorial Projects2024 Pottery Pals in Context. Context Collective. Troy, NY2023 Community Clay Days (Multiple Dates). Troy, NY Reflect/Reveal - LGBTQ Youth Art Showcase. The Studio, Troy, NY.2019-2020 Funky Art Market Monthly Pop Up Market (Rotating Venues). Boise, ID2018 Parts Assembled Pettirosso. Seattle, WA. Awards2023 Arts Thrive & Grow, Statewide Community Regrants Program(funded by NYSCA) Community Arts Grant Award-Sponsored by The Greater Capital Region YWCA, Awarded by The Arts Center of The Capital Region2021 Third Place Award, Annual Student Juried Online Exhibition, Boise State University. Boise, ID. Lectures2025 Working Artist Talk. Clay Art Center. Port Chester, NY.