Morgan Richardson

NORWAY — Morgan was born and raised in the Oxford Hills. As a child, Morgan would steal her mother’s camera and take pictures of anything and everything around her. She often would document her family’s life and travels. Morgan was always drawn to any creative process and began to find her niche in her sophomore year of high school. There she found her first interest in Graphic Design, joining the OHCHS program led by Virginia Valdes. She began interning for a local wedding photographer, Kate Michaud, allowing her to build and expand upon her knowledge in a more professional setting.

After high school, Morgan majored in Graphic Design at Maryland Institute College of Art. Morgan had her first introduction to ceramics and found the medium to be a welcome break from being behind the lens or a computer screen. It allowed her to tap into a side of her artistic process and create things wildly different than her typical style.

After transferring to the University of Southern Maine, her passion for ceramics took hold. She continued developing her skills, ultimately double majoring in Photo & Digital Art and Ceramics. Morgan draws inspiration from the organized chaos of nature, utilizing motifs viewed as repelling and flipping the narrative to create something beautiful. As a working artist, Morgan makes graphic design promotions for businesses, assists well-known wedding photographers, and takes pictures for weddings and other life events.

Ceramics continues to be a necessary outlet for Morgan in an increasingly hectic world. She says, “For most people, the imagery I use is seen as off-putting and ugly, often inducing feelings of revulsion and horror when seen. It has made their place in art somewhat hidden or used as a visual villain to contrast more beautiful things. Portraying these vilified objects in a different light and highlighting their beauty and intricacy becomes the focal point of my work.

“The interest isn’t limited solely to bugs but to changing the way we look at traditional images and creating something different from the wreckage of stagnant ideas. My work uses natural objects from life, commonly deemed unfavorable or grotesque in a way that organizes their chaos. Contemporary art has formed a way of turning these grotesque images on their head. The work is emblematic of subjected forces rebelling against traditional structure and ideas.

“It is deeply personal to me as a woman, reflects my ideas about femininity, contrasts the structures of the world, and how it decides what kind of art women should produce. The art I create represents how beauty is not limited in construction but a multifaceted approach to seeing the world.”

This display is on view whenever the library is open from October 19-November 15. Visitors may enjoy an art reception with light fall refreshments on Wednesday, October 26, 5:30- 6:30 p.m.