Christopher Robinson profile
Position
Director of Cortona Studies Abroad Program
Ceramics Instructor
Office Hours
By Appointment Only
Location
UGA Office of International Education
Email
cpr71@uga.edu
CV
Curriculum Vitae
Research Focus

Most recently I have been constructing both sculptural and functional forms. The forms are wheel thrown or hand built with wheel thrown additions. Stone-like and textured surfaces suggest the material chosen as the shape and decoration reflect function, whether domestic or ritual. The influence of antique symbols and mark marking is reflected by the practice of incising through a contrasting colored slip to reveal the clay body underneath. The treatment of the surface is continued through its firing to yield a range of textures and colors. Although a variety of firing techniques are used to achieve desired results, the use of wood to fire my vessels is preferred.
Another technique used recently yields a pointillist effect by perforating contours of a drawing, then pouncing the drawing or ‘cartoon’ with a ceramic stain against the surface of the piece. The cartoon is removed and the work is fired, resulting in an ephemeral image left from the pouncing technique. The images suggest mortality while the permanence of the fired clay reflects the impact individuals can have on another’s life. Analogous to people, these vessels relate to one another in a group while contemplating their individual existence.

Christopher P. Robinson, originally from Atlanta, GA, earned his Bachelor of Arts concentrating in Ceramics with a minor in Medieval Studies from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.

From 1994 to 1998, he attended the Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina as a “Core Fellow”. During these years, in addition to general work on ceramics, he made his first studies on the practice of wood fired pottery as well as other materials and techniques such as blacksmithing, glass blowing, and woodworking.

In June 2000 he made his first visit to Italy while participating in the University of Georgia’s Studies Abroad program in Cortona (UGA Cortona). In 2001 he earned his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia (USA), concentrating in Ceramics.
From 2002 - 2010 he worked and lived in Cortona year-round, serving as Associate Director and teaching Ceramics for UGA Cortona. Extended time in Italy provided the opportunity for immersed experience and exposure to the Italian culture, history, and people. During this time, in 2006, Robinson had a solo exhibition of his ceramic work at the Museo dell Accademia Etrusca e della città di Cortona and the Palazzo di Venezia in Rome, Italy.

Since 2011, Robinson has served as Director of UGA Cortona, its Center and programs as well as teaching select ceramics courses.