Steeped in tradition and inspired by the present, the artist has created a ceramic interpretation of an ancient pottery chalice. A chalice (from Latin calix ‘mug’, borrowed from Ancient Greek cup) or goblet is a footed cup intended to hold a drink. In religious practice, a chalice is often used for drinking during a ceremony or may carry a certain symbolic meaning. Pattern and color variations may vary. For over 30 years artist Daryl McCracken has been working as a studio artist and educator. After completing an MFA at the University of Illinois where he was honored with an Excellence in Teaching award, he taught at Parkland Community College before migrating to Houston. He shares his love of clay through teaching. He was a professor of art at Houston Community College for many years teaching ceramics, life drawing and design. He also taught at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Glassell School of Art, and North Harris Community College. Currently, he teaches at the private studio 3rd Coast Clay in Houston, Texas. In addition to teaching, he shares his love of ceramics through lectures, workshops and kiln design and construction consulting. Daryl was fortunate to meet a group of artists who co-founded a grassroots clay organization – Clay Houston – designed to organize and promote Houston area clay artists in the community. Daryl focuses on functional and sculptural stoneware and porcelain vessels, producing custom dinnerware for local businesses as well as exhibiting in national juried shows.
