About
Kurt Otis
From Calexico, CA
Lives & works in San Francisco, CA
Kurt Otis is a Mexican, American born, oil painter and potter exploring: the socioeconomics of drug trafficking in Mexico, drug consumption in the United States, Multiple Sclerosis and its effects to the body on a cellular level, the methodology of renaissance painters, and his own experiences growing up in a small border town. Otis pushes his representational technique to achieve clarity for subject matter in some paintings while deconstructing layers of paint to symbolize physical decomposure in others. Common themes depicted in Otis’ work are gory consequences of drug trafficking, the demyelination of neuron cells, and portraiture.
Otis started practicing pottery due to his affinity towards his tea practice. Exploring traditional tea brewing forms and making modifications to the efficacy of its brewing capacities and functionality. He seeks to create wares of rather small scale to better brew tea and to dive into technique.
Specifically focusing on the Shiboridashi form. A Japanese tea brewing vessel, made for high grade Gyokuro green tea, that is inspired from the traditional Chinese tea brewing vessel ‘Gaiwan’ meaning lidded bowl. A rather simple form with many nuances, a shiboridashi can be used for any type of tea. It’s simplicity, efficiency, and user friendliness makes for a great novice brewing vessel suitable for everyday brewing.
CV
Education
2015 - 2018 – B.A. in Studio Arts | San Francisco State University
2012 - 2015 – A.A. in Studio Arts | Imperial Valley College
Exhibitions
2020 – Modern Ikons | Jackknife Gallery | Oakland, CA
2019 – Roll Call | Arista 1701 | Mexicali, Mexico
2019 – While Supplies Last: Museum Edition | Bellevue Art Museum | Bellevue, WA
2019 – Got It For Cheap | Part 2 Gallery | Oakland, CA
2019 – Got It For Cheap | 1AM Gallery | San Francisco, CA
2019 – Garage Pop-Up 3 | No Parking Gallery | San Francisco, Ca
2019 – Shark's, 1 Year Anniversary | Swim Gallery | San Francisco, CA
2019 – Garage Pop-Up 2 | No Parking Gallery | San Francisco, CA
2019 – Garage Pop-Up | No Parking Gallery | San Franciso, CA
2018 – 30th Annual Stillwell Exhibition | San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery | San Francisco, CA
2018 -19 – Provost’s Office | San Francisco State University | San Francisco, CA
2017 – Prints by SFSU Print Guild | Graphic Arts Workshop | San Francisco, CA
2017 – Unconventional Practice | Martin Wong Gallery | San Francisco, CA
2016 -18 – Provost’s Office | San Francisco State University | San Francisco, CA
2016 – Stillwell | San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery | San Francisco, CA
2015 – Salon des Refusés | Martin Wong Gallery | San Francisco, CA
2015 – Solo Show - Mitosis | The Show | Mexicali, Mexico
2015 – Student Show | Juanita Salazar Lowe Gallery | Imperial, CA
2014 – Student Show | Juanita Salazar Lowe Gallery | Imperial, CA
2014 – Arte Erotico | Mexicali Rose: Centro de Artes/Medios | Mexicali, Mexico
2014 – Madrecitas | Casa de la Cultura | Mexicali, Mexico
2014 – Imperial Valley Film & Art Festival | Steppling Art Gallery | Calexico, CA
2013 – Ignauracion | Mamut | Tijuana, Mexico
Publications
2019 – Studio Visit Magazine | Vol. 44 & 45
2017 – Transfer Magazine | Vol. 113 | pg. 14 & 16
2016 – Transfer Magazine | Vol. 111 | Cover
Awards
2015 – “Best in Show” | Student Show | Juanita Salazar Lowe Gallery
2014 – “Best in Show” | Student Show | Juanita Salazar Lowe Gallery
2014 – Imperial Valley Film & Art Festival Featured Artist
2013 – “Best in Show” | Fronteras | University Art Gallery (UAG)
2013 – IVC Art Recognition
2013 – “Best in Show” | Student Show | Juanita Salazar Lowe Gallery