David MacDonald

Artist Statement

The essence of the art experience, for me, has been one of self-discovery and communication. In one sense, it is a very private and personal journey in search of order, reason, and beauty. Yet, in another sense, it is a very public act; an attempt to express and share, with others, my realizations and discoveries. The principal concern of my art is the articulation of the magnificence and nobility of the human spirit; and a celebration of my African heritage. The material I use is clay. The primary vehicle for these expressions is the vessel. The vessel embodies unique social and spiritual connections and associations, to all people; which does not necessarily exist in “non-vessel” ceramic forms. There exists in the vessel a timelessness and universality that records, contains, and perpetuates the very essence of humanity and the human experience.

Artist Bio

Received his BS in Art Education from Hampton University; and his MFA from the University of Michigan. In 1971 he joined the faculty of the School of Art at Syracuse University, retiring in 2008 with the rank of Professor Emeritus. His work has been featured in several ceramic textbooks and magazines. He has also been featured in several nationally televised programs; such as HGTV's "Modern Masters" and PBS's "A Craftsmen's Legacy". He has been given a number of awards by various national arts organizations such as the National Conference for the Education in the Ceramics Arts' "Excellence in Teaching Award" and the National Crafts Council's "Master Craftsman Award". In 2023 Professor MacDonald was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts by Syracuse University. Since his retirement, Professor MacDonald has been actively lecturing across the country and working in his studio creating his signature ceramic works.