Doug Herren is known for his brightly painted large-scale ceramic sculptures that are hybrids of industrial equipment and traditional wheel-thrown pottery. Many of the sculptures appear to be constructed from machine parts or iron works that have been reconfigured with bolts or rivets and repainted to look anew.
Doug was originally a graphic design major when he entered college, but after taking a pottery class his interests shifted rather abruptly and he ended up pursuing a fine arts degree, first obtaining a BFA, then later an MFA. He started his studies in Kansas at Wichita State University under Chris Staley, then went on to Louisiana State University for his MFA, studying with Linda Arbuckle, Joe Bova, and Robert Silverman. He then went on to his first residency at the Archie Bray in Helena, Montana, where he stayed for about three years. He was a resident at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, for a five-year term (1996-2001). He met his wife, Kukuli Velarde, at The Clay Studio and they both have remained in Philadelphia to live and maintain their studios.
Herren’s work is included in the collections of the International Museum of Ceramics, Faenza, Italy; the Yenggi Museum of Taipei; the Museum of Ceramics Quran, Alcora, Spain; Kamm Teapot Collection, Sparta, NC; Fuller Art Museum, Brockton, MA. Most recently an installation of Herren’s work was on display at the Philadelphia International Airport, Terminal A-West titled Industria/Ware.
To see more of Herren's work please visit his website at https://dougherren.com/
