John Byrd
Associate Professor, Ceramics & Sculpture
MFA, University of Washington
Phone: 813.974.2360
Email: byrd@usf.edu
Office: FAH 257
Website:
John Byrd has created a sculptural language of composite creatures made of clay, taxidermy, and cast, found objects. He does not propose an ethical stance on animal rights. Instead, Byrd鈥檚 sculptures act as personal and humorous studies of the hypocritical desire to simultaneously honor and consume animals. 鈥淯ntitled (Bobcat)鈥� is a porcelain sculpture of a sixteen 16- inch tall bobcat, clasping a limp rabbit in its jaw and standing atop a pile of shredded textiles and detritus. A taxidermy canary is inset in the back of the bobcat鈥檚 head. Sections of the bobcat鈥檚 muscular and digestive system are visible, accentuating the animal鈥檚 role as predator.
John Byrd has exhibited sculptures in the United States and abroad. Notably, he has had numerous exhibitions at New York City鈥檚 Garth Clark Gallery. Byrd received his BFA in Ceramics from Louisiana State University in 1997 and his MFA in Ceramics from the University of Washington in 2000.