Intense sculptures of caged children, ugly pig-human hybrids, and chained hands are just some of ceramic artist Christopher Corson’s protest collection. He uses sculpture as a medium to vividly comment on what he is passionate about.
On Monday, Mr. Corson visited Ojai Valley School to present his sculptures, namely his protest work, to eager high school students. He teaches ceramics classes himself in Greenbelt, Maryland, and through his niece, Darcy Corson – the head of the math department at the OVS Upper Campus – he was offered the opportunity to share his knowledge and passion on the subject here in California.
His figures had strong, clear messages: commenting on modern slavery, species loss, income inequality, and the refugee crisis- things he was really angry about.
These works drew inspiration from heavy topics: civil rights, human suffering, and war. They showed how you can apply your own ideologies to your work.
“Whatever you believe is how you form your art,” he told the students.
Sculpting wasn’t always Mr. Corson’s craft, however.
Since graduating from Columbia law school, he started out practicing law for 30 years, working for a labor union (IAMAW) and demonstrating an early orientation for cause and justice. To counteract the stress and demands of his job, he began to sculpt.
“I had so much going on, I really needed a release,” he said. “So I started taking informal ceramics classes.”
From there, his love for ceramics only grew until he became the accomplished artist he is today.
Mr. Corson’s protest collection is just a glimpse of his full ceramic profile however, much of his work is very personal and introspective. He considers this self-exploration through art therapeutic, “it’s really emotional exploration- it comes from the core.”
The OVS students are lucky Mr. Corson came to Ojai to visit his niece’s children.
“He’s my favorite uncle,” Ms. Corson said. “He wanted to talk about his work to the ceramic students here too.”
His appearance inspired the young artists to create with purpose.
“I use art to promote the things I believe in,” Mr. Corson said. “Art is really the way to change the world.”
