MARK
DANITSCHEK

Artist Statement:
My layered and wrapped sculptures symbolize the difference between intended and perceived communication. When trying to convey meaning we sometimes fall short resulting in a divergence between what is said and what is heard. My work represents this difference.
From my early career as a musician and recording engineer to my more recent involvement with ceramic sculpture, I have always loved developing and fine-tuning the process. After taking a sabbatical from music to complete my education and start a Silicon Valley business, I discovered ceramics at West Valley College. The restoration of creativity and artistic process captivated my imagination. My exploration of the ceramic surface drew upon my experience as a chemist. My interest in Bay Area figurative was well suited to my interest in ceramic art. I am fortunate to have studied with many outstanding ceramic artists who have helped me immensely. I currently devote all my creative energy toward art.
My work is low-fired clay formed around a detailed paper armature. The work is sectioned and the armature removed before firing. I develop and formulate my own glazes.
Education:
I have a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry with a Minor in Business Management. I'm self educated in art through years of independant study. I have taken classes at West Valley College and Foothill College. I have also attended multiple workshops and seminars.
Exhibitions and Awards:
2022 - Art Center Morro Bay, On and Off the Wall, Juror
2021 - San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, Revisiting the Vessel
2021 - Art Center Morro Bay, Tomorrow's Sculpture
2019 - San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, The 3rd Dimension, Juror's Award
2019 - Phantom Project 18, SLOMA PopUp Gallery
2018 - John Natsoulas Gallery, 30 Artist Show, CCACA conference
2017 - John Natsoulas Gallery, 30 Artist Show, CCACA conference
2016 - John Natsoulas Gallery, 30 Artist Show, CCACA conference
2016 - Amanda & Mark Danitschek Collaborative Show, Natsoulas Gallery
2015 - John Natsoulas Gallery, 30 Artist Show, CCACA conference
2014 - John Natsoulas Gallery, 30 Artist Show, CCACA conference
2014 - John Natsoulas Gallery, Small Works Show
2014 - The Artery, California Clay Competition
2014 - Blue Line Gallery, America's ClayFest, Roseville CA
2013 - Lark Books, 500 Prints on Clay
2013 - Santa Cruz Art League, Black and White Show, Honorable Mention
2013 - Blue Line Gallery, America's ClayFest, Roseville CA
2013 - ACGA National Clay and Glass Juried Exhibition, Brea CA
2011 - ACGA Artist's of California Book
2011 - The Artery, California Clay Competition, Davis CA
2011 - East Bay Clay Award, California Clay Competition, Davis CA
2011 - Santa Cruz Art League, Go Figure Show, Santa Cruz CA
2010 - The Artery, California Clay Competition, Davis CA
2009 - John Natsoulas Gallery, Small Works, Miniatures and Maquettes
2009 - Art Museum of Los Gatos, LGAA juried show, Second Place
2008 - West Valley College, Solo Student Show, Saratoga CA
2008 - Art Museum of Los Gatos, LGAA juried show, Honorable Mention
2006 - Art Museum of Los Gatos, LGAA juried show, Honorable Mention