Patrick Coughlin is a ceramic artist from rural Western New York who creates functional ceramic art inspired by family heritage and the regions predominate farming culture. Patrick’s ornate ceramic vessels explore the conditions of being part of an existence in decline and decay. Through his work Patrick investigates the relations of Earthenware clay, Victorian service ware and his own experiences with the onion farming industry.

To create his functional Earthenware vessels Patrick employs various traditional and contemporary techniques. Press molding and slip casting with plaster molds, slab building and the use of wheel thrown elements are some of the varied building techniques used. These construction methods paired with custom digital decals and screen-printing processes allows Patrick Coughlin to create exceedingly eccentric functional forms.

As a ceramic artist Patrick Coughlin uses a wide variety of influences to create his “Rural Baroque” high service ware. Anything from Victorian era ceramics, silver and wallpaper, the photos of Bernd & Hilla Becher or the landscape and artifacts of his history in farming have all been wellspring of inspiration.