Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Eskridge.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a graduate with a BFA in ceramics, and I have been making art for the longest time, falling back to when I was just a kid. I am continuing my career by continuously applying and reaching out to programs that involve workshops, scholarships, and residences. I am also pursuing my MFA so that I am eligible to be an educator at the university level and to become a full-time artist. I pushed and went out of my way to get to where I am by being ambitious and creating and working with a community supporting my craftsmanship and conceptual work. I am supported by my family, friends, and my educators.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have had several bumps on my journey while getting my BFA and outside of school. I have had many rejection letters and artwork submissions that didn’t meet the requirements. There was also tons of trial and error in my work, both technically and conceptually. I spent a good portion of my spare time developing my craft and going out of my way to ask for more experience and opportunities, even if I didn’t get them all. I applied to everything that was suggested and researched online for opportunities that were aligned with my career.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Mexican artist with roots in El Paso and Juarez, my creative journey is deeply intertwined with Chicano culture. Through my work in functional and sculptural ceramics, I endeavor to share narratives that reflect the richness of my heritage and the diverse influences of Western living, spanning urban and rural landscapes. My art reflects my cultural identity, drawing inspiration from Chicano traditions that honor familial bonds and Mexican heritage. I incorporate symbols like rosaries and other artistic motifs, infusing each piece with layers of meaning drawn from my community’s collective experiences—embracing the vibrancy of urban life, the rhythmic beats of rap and hip hop, and the rustic charm of ranch living along the border. I explore the fusion of materials and styles, infusing my creations with the diverse flair of characters and idols. Whether inspired by fantastical dreams or grounded in everyday realities, each piece becomes a canvas for countless thoughts and ideas, corresponding to inscribed notes or carved scenes unfolding on the surface. With a meticulous eye for detail and storytelling, I sculpt my pieces with precision, using the form and texture of clay as a medium to evoke intricate narratives. Each composition begins with a blank canvas, gradually transformed through carving and shaping until it resonates with a sense of completeness, enveloping the viewer in a multifaceted tale that unfolds from every angle.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have had the help of my mentors, whom I met through my undergraduate studies. They were the ones who influenced me in my studies and also shared their experiences and conceptual ideas, which translated into my own body of work. Having a few good mentors can be achieved through personal interest and dedication to wanting to progress. I have created a network of friends and other craftspeople by reaching out or meeting and working with them at residencies and workshops, and it all goes a long way, even after these opportunities. I would also try to converse with other artists at galleries, exhibitions, and museums, or even while I’m out socializing, and they would connect me with other people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: nobleaaron10
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaroneskridge10/
Image Credits
Headshot Photo – Miguel Vargas Gallardo ig- @miguel.vargasgallardo
