Melanie Ferguson is a ceramic artist known for her evocative, hand-built sculptural forms that often draw inspiration from coastal landscapes and natural processes. Born in Newport, Oregon, her artistic journey was shaped by her early exposure to oceanic surroundings and collaborative work with local artists and indigenous elders.
Initially focusing on illustration and calligraphy, Ferguson transitioned to working with glass, mastering "painting with light" through large-scale architectural commissions. Relocating to Georgia in 2002, she began exploring contemporary ceramics at the Roswell Art Center West. Her work emphasizes wood and soda atmospheric firing techniques, creating textured, narrative surfaces that echo patterns found in nature, such as the interplay of erosion, water, and decay.
Ferguson describes her creative process as a dialogue with materials, using clays like stoneware and earthenware to evoke movement and renewal. Her sculptures aim to challenge perceptions and invite storytelling through their dynamic, tactile designs. Her work has been showcased in various exhibitions, including retrospectives at venues like the Wiregrass Museum of Art.