Wes Harvey

—Born Van Buren, Indiana

EDUCATION

2002BFA Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

2007MFA Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

2007-2008Assistant Director, Landmark Arts Galleries, Texas Tech University, School of Art, Lubbock, Texas

2008-2014Adjunct Faculty, Northwest Vista College, San Antonio, Texas

2008-2014Adjunct Faculty, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas

2008-2014Co-Director, Clamp Light Artist Studios & Gallery, San Antonio, Texas

2014-2016Curator, Gallery Director, Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge, Montana

2016-2017Instructor, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona

2017—Lecturer, Ceramics, Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia

BIOGRAPHY

Wesley Harvey is known for slab-built, slip-cast and coiled electric kiln fired earthenware assemblages and vessel forms. Harvey coil-builds larger vessels. Surface techniques include colored slips, underglaze, decals, lusters, and glazes. 

Early work (2008-2011) used slip-cast kitsch small figurines, chickadees, standing figures, etc. grouped, sometimes monochromatic groupings. Later work employed transfers, hand painting, and lusters. Transition to appropriation, drawing, collage, the use of decal motifs of flowers, posed male figures and painted detail systematically arranged on hand-built ceramic objects, plates, teapots, etc. (2011-2018).

Harvey’s work is derived from queer theory focused on gay male sexuality, and the changes in social acceptance. The Baroque and Rococo periods in decorative art history are seen in Harvey’s use of luster ‘gilding’ in pottery and framed works.