Biography
Molly Schulps saw the possibilities of clay at an early age through the lens of her father, who was a successful production potter and well respected in the field of ceramics. She went on to earn her MFA with distinction from California State University, Northridge. Molly has been primarily a ceramicist, although she also uses many other materials such as paint, wood, wax, wire, etc. Schulps was a part-time lecturer at various colleges and universities throughout Southern California, until 2004, when she started her full time journey at Cypress College where Molly overseas the ceramics program and was the Art Department Chair from 2015-2021. Schulps exhibits her work nationally and is in several permanent collections.
Artist Statement
My work explores the nature of relationships through the animal forms and environment, as well as folkloric references. The animals are the metaphor for our own needs; the need to copulate, pro-create, isolate, create familial relationships and be triumphant. The folkloric references are also a way to investigate family histories and legends.
The series of works that I have made stem from my interest in family, more specifically the constructs of family and how we interact with one another. I have used animals to explore this idea of human nature because their lives are parallel to ours. Animals often forge lifelong bonds based on need and purpose. Gorillas tend to move “upwards” on the social circuit and will leave their families behind if they find a better partner. Beavers will mate for life and stay with their partner, unless one of them dies. These relationships have always fascinated me.
The materials I use are an important part of my process. I mainly use porcelain and terra cotta for the ceramic components because I think the surfaces are seductive and challenging. The nature of these two clay bodies can be finicky and paradoxical just like us, but when they are coaxed along they allow the palate to be pure like porcelain or earthy red clay bodies. The gold lusters give value to the form through surface, intent and the symbolic importance of both gold and silver.
Recent Shows and/or Exhibitions
January 2025 Pop Up, Royal Nebeker Art Gallery, Clatsop Community College, Astoria, OR
October 2024 Clay Bodies, Imogen Gallery, Astoria, OR
June 2024 The Best Advice I Ever Got was From a Bear, Visions West Contemporary,Bozeman, MT
June 2023 Reverie, Visions West Contemporary, Livingston, MT
February 2020 L.A. Stories, Brenau University, Gainesville, GA.
October 2020 Everything is Possible/ Nothing is Possible with April Coppini at Imogen Gallery, Astoria, OR
Molly Schulps saw the possibilities of clay at an early age through the lens of her father, who was a successful production potter and well respected in the field of ceramics. She went on to earn her MFA with distinction from California State University, Northridge. Molly has been primarily a ceramicist, although she also uses many other materials such as paint, wood, wax, wire, etc. Schulps was a part-time lecturer at various colleges and universities throughout Southern California, until 2004, when she started her full time journey at Cypress College where Molly overseas the ceramics program and was the Art Department Chair from 2015-2021. Schulps exhibits her work nationally and is in several permanent collections.
Artist Statement
My work explores the nature of relationships through the animal forms and environment, as well as folkloric references. The animals are the metaphor for our own needs; the need to copulate, pro-create, isolate, create familial relationships and be triumphant. The folkloric references are also a way to investigate family histories and legends.
The series of works that I have made stem from my interest in family, more specifically the constructs of family and how we interact with one another. I have used animals to explore this idea of human nature because their lives are parallel to ours. Animals often forge lifelong bonds based on need and purpose. Gorillas tend to move “upwards” on the social circuit and will leave their families behind if they find a better partner. Beavers will mate for life and stay with their partner, unless one of them dies. These relationships have always fascinated me.
The materials I use are an important part of my process. I mainly use porcelain and terra cotta for the ceramic components because I think the surfaces are seductive and challenging. The nature of these two clay bodies can be finicky and paradoxical just like us, but when they are coaxed along they allow the palate to be pure like porcelain or earthy red clay bodies. The gold lusters give value to the form through surface, intent and the symbolic importance of both gold and silver.
Recent Shows and/or Exhibitions
January 2025 Pop Up, Royal Nebeker Art Gallery, Clatsop Community College, Astoria, OR
October 2024 Clay Bodies, Imogen Gallery, Astoria, OR
June 2024 The Best Advice I Ever Got was From a Bear, Visions West Contemporary,Bozeman, MT
June 2023 Reverie, Visions West Contemporary, Livingston, MT
February 2020 L.A. Stories, Brenau University, Gainesville, GA.
October 2020 Everything is Possible/ Nothing is Possible with April Coppini at Imogen Gallery, Astoria, OR