Bruce M. Sherman

b. New York, NY

Bruce M. Sherman is a ceramic artist who combines elements of figuration and abstraction in anthropomorphic sculptures. Sherman’s hand-thrown work joins flat planes and cylinders with stylized faces and disembodied expressions, maintaining a delicate balance between humor and reverence; surrealism and tradition; function and beauty. Sherman’s whimsical and totemic arrangements incorporate plants, hands, feet, and eyes, which act as symbols of rebirth, renewal and consciousness. While both celebratory and absurd, the recurrence of hands also references prayer. As the artist says, “working in clay is almost like a way of praying.”

Sherman worked as a dentist before turning towards art making as a vocation. In the 1960s and 70s, Sherman was involved in the Society for Experimental Studies, a group of likeminded creatives who worked together to pursue and promote various forms of craftsmanship. During this period, Sherman was fascinated by Japanese Bunraku puppetry and stone-cutting. Now, Sherman works with slabs of clay that he slices, stacks, makes into tubes, and combines to form figures and mythical creatures. Some sculptures resemble dollhouses, inhabited by tiny figures, body parts, ladders, and potted plants.

Sherman's work has been exhibited in solo exhibitions internationally, at galleries including Kaufmann Repetto in Milan; South Willard Gallery in Los Angeles; White Columns in New York; Sorry We’re Closed Gallery in Brussels; and Nicelle Beauchene Gallery in New York. He has also participated in group exhibitions across the globe, showing work at The Pit in Los Angeles; Tripoli Gallery in East Hampton, NY; Blackston Gallery in New York; NADA Art Fair in Miami, FL; Adams and Ollman Gallery in Portland; Fitzroy Gallery in New York; and more. He lives and works in New York.