Meet Sean O’Connell, Penland Resident Artist.

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Hi, my name is Sean O’Connell. I’ve been a potter, amongst other things, for the better part of 20 years.

For me, making by hand is a deliberate attempt at slowing down, connecting to something deeper, and taking time to appreciate the pleasure of labor. 

Penland has been home for the last 2½ years. During that time, I’ve continued to pursue pottery as well as branching out into sculptural work, painting, wood carving, and making calligraphy brushes.

All of these different parts of my practice are threaded together by a common theme of utility and self-expression.

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Applications for the Penland Resident Artist program are open through July 2.

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Please enjoy a small selection of Sean’s work and process:

Works in progress, 2024

Firing the wood kiln at The Barns

Funny Bean, acrylic, ink, collage, paper on panel

Brush-mark Platter, stoneware, slip, glaze

Assorted Handmade brushes

Serving dish, stoneware, slip, glaze

Hand-carved, wooden spoons

Brush-mark Sculpture, stoneware , slip, pigment

Penland wood kiln at The Barns

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Discover more of Sean’s work HERE.