Biography
Thacker's sculptures are abstractions, referencing natural forms, utilitarian tools, fishing baskets and traps. The central theme is linearity. Similar to the way a line can mark the surface of a drawing. It is fluid, elegant and simplistic.
Highly tactile and monochromatic, repetition is central to the process. The works begin with a single element, which serve as architectural building blocks, which are then combined in various ways to discover how they interact visually. Thousands of porcelain parts are tied and woven together to create ambiguous surfaces and landscapes.
CV
TARA THACKER
b. 1970, Lynchburg, VA
Lives and works in Eden Mills, VT
EDUCATION
1995 MFA, Ceramics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
1992 BFA, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
EXHIBITIONS
2016 Tara Thacker – Sculptures & Photographs, Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, VT
2014 Porcelain Sculptures (solo), Johnson State College, Julian Scott Memorial Gallery, Johnson, VT
2007 Tara Thacker and Justin Quinn, MMGalleries, San Francisco, CA
Artists of VSC, Johnson State College, Julian Scott Memorial Gallery, Johnson, VT
2005 Coming Together, Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
2004 West Coasting, Conduit Gallery, Dallas, TX
In the Summer…, Haley Martin Gallery, San Francisco, CA
SF International Art Expo, Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
2003 SF International Art Expo, Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
Beginnings, Ligne Roset, San Francisco, CA
2002 Together, Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
SF International Art Expo, Michael Martin Galleries, SF, CA
2001 Linea (solo), Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
Interpreted Visions, Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, VT
Wall Drawings, Doris Ullman Gallery, Berea, KY
2000 West Coasting, Michael Martin Galleries, London, UK
1999 Tiles, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Faculty Exhibition, Duncan Gallery of Art, Stetson University, Deland, FL
1998 LaGrange National Biennial XX Exhibition, Lamar Dodd Art Center, LaGrange, GA
1997 Clay on the Wall, FOVA Gallery, Lubbock, TX
1996 New Works, Kirkland Arts Center, Kirkland, WA
Terra Firma, National Clay Exhibition, Corbin Art Center, Spokane, WA
1995 Sculptural Clay Now, Kirkland Arts Center, Kirkland, WA
Emerging Talents, Habitat/Shaw Gallery, Pontiac, MI
Influence and Introspection, Pacific Northwest Ceramics, Corvallis Art Center, Corvallis, OR
Thesis Exhibition, Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
EXPERIENCE
2000- Vermont Studio Center Staff (Visual Arts Director since 2013), Johnson, VT
2016 Adjunct Faculty, Department of Art, Johnson State College, Johnson, VT
1999 Visiting Assistant Professor, Berea College Art Department, Berea, KY
1998 Visiting Assistant Professor, Stetson University, Dept. of Art, Deland, FL
1997 Visiting Artist/Adjunct Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Art, Richmond, VA
1997 Instructor, Gwinnett Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, GA
1996 Instructor, Kirkland Arts Center, Kirkland, WA
1995 Instructor, University of Washington, School of Art, Seattle, WA