Personal History
Michael was born in Harlingen, Texas. He enjoyed his time growing up with four brothers in Texas and with his mother’s family in England. They moved to Corona del Mar, California when he was 12. Michael now resides with his family in Laguna Beach, California.
Education
After attending Orange Coast College in California, Michael began an apprenticeship with Yacht Pottery, on the island of Bornholm, in Denmark. Renowned for their fine stoneware and porcelain, this Danish pottery was established in the 17th Century. Michael continued to travel extensively adding to his knowledge of ceramic history. He later accepted a teaching position in Exeter, England, where he studied with David Greene.
About the work
This work is designed and executed by Michael Ezzell. All are hand thrown on the wheel and sculpted ceramic, fired to 2000º. All are one of a kind. Metal surfaces allow for variations and the creativity of the finishes. Leaded, fused, and mosaic cut glass are used. LED lights are an option that increases the depth of the piece and intensity of the glass.
“Vessels do not take shape until an idea is ready to evolve. The course is not set. It becomes my responsibility as an artist to flow with the perception of the current. The mysteries of the mediums unfold and become details. Conflicting and complementary usage of materials begin to create alternate forms and bring interest through their diversity of texture and patterns. New inspiration will increase the depth of perception through the use of light.”
Exhibitions
- Sausalito Art Festival, Sausalito, CA, 2007-2010 (#1 fine art show in the Nation)
- Cherry Creek Art Festival, Denver, CO, 2009 (Top ranked national fine art show)
- Scottsdale Art Museum Show, 2009
- Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts, 20 years
- Brea Cultural Art Museum, 1985
- Kimball Art Museum, most recent 2009
- La Quinta Art Festival, 2006-2010
- Bonita Springs, 2010
- Los Altos Fine Art Show, 2000-2010
- Tempe Festival of the Arts, 20 years
- La Jolla Festival of the Arts
- Boca Raton Museum Show, 2010
- Naples National, 2010
- Beverly Hills Affaire in the Gardens, 2006-2009
Work History
Michael has been a working artist for 40 years; His work has shown in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, and Japan. This is a partial list of exhibitions:
- Artisans Gallery, Great Neck, New York
- Zzyzx Gallery, Georgetown, Mass.
- P.R. Coonley Gallery, Carmel, CA
- Icings, Palm Desert, CA
- Desert Art Collection, Palm Desert, CA
- Jacobson’s Nationwide
- Gump’s, San Francisco, CA
- Gump’s International
- Nordstrom’s nationwide
- A Muse Gallery, Sedona, AZ
- Studio Arts Gallery, Laguna Beach
- Thomas Barbey Gallery, Sausalito, CA