Adrian Almquist

adrian almquist is an artist based in the western hills of Massachusetts, working in ceramics, woven textiles and wood sculpture. His most recent body of work was made while working as an Artist in Residence at High Desert Test Sites in Joshua Tree. He currently exhibits work at Merchant Modern’s locations in Los Angeles, California.

“Desert Sunrise”
Handwoven cotton and wool
148" × 50"
2023

His recent ceramic works were made with imprints of rocks and wood foraged from the desert surrounding Joshua Tree. He likes to think of these bowls and plates as memories of these found objects, the changes in the landscape over time, the ephemeral nature of our reality, and the grounding nature of earth and open skies.

Knotted “Wood” Dish
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
9" × 5" × ½"
2023

Rippled “Wood” Dish
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
11" × 6 ½" × ½"
2023

Small “Rock” Dish
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
6 ½" × 6" × 1 ¾"
2023

Heptagonal “Rock” Dish
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
7 ½" × 6 ½" × 1"
2023

Slab “Rock” Dish
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
10" × 5" × ¾"
2023

Angular “Rock” Dish
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
10" × 6" × 2"
2023

Round “Rock” Bowl
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
10" × 7 ½" × 3"
2023

Low “Rock” Bowl
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
10" × 8 ½" × 2"
2023

Round “Rock” Bowl
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
9 ½" × 9" × 2 ½"
2023

“Rock” Bowl with Holes
Obsidian clay with
coconut cream glaze
10" × 9 ½" × 3"
2023

Work in process at 
High Desert Test Sites
Fall 2023

adrian would like to thank to Andrea Zittel and High Desert Test Sites for the residency opportunity, Vivian Gay for their glaze chemistry, Ulla Burnham for her generous donation of select handspun and dyed wool from her sheep, and Merchant Modern for their interest in and support of his work. Photos courtesy of Merchant Modern.