“I never have a concrete image in mind as the clay often times tells me what it wants to be and how it should look. And I always welcome the happy accident moments of creation”
Though Waters has called South Carolina home for over a decade, he spent most of his life in Baltimore, Maryland. In all his time dwelling in his spaces of living and travelling – one of his main loves – he has always been an explorer and creator at heart.
Visual art, however, is not a major marker of Waters’ past. His initial vessel for expression—and his first degree—was in music. Retirement has allowed him to “indulge” and teach himself about visual art.
“As an artist I would define myself as raw and ignorant,” he reflects on being self-taught, “It allows me to experiment and explore without prejudice or restrictions. Sure, it also leads to failure, but many cool things can come from the ashes of failure.”
“Apple of His Eye”
While an intro to pottery course and a 2-day workshop on figures and forms definitely helped shape Waters’ current passion with ceramics, what really brought him to this medium is his inner child.
“A kid at heart, I guess I never lost the urge to ‘play in the mud’ — I really love the idea of taking mud and making something out of it that makes people think, wonder, or laugh,” Waters emphasizes, “I love working in a 3D medium because it allows me to create an experience where the participant can not only hold it, but experience different things from different angles/views.”
Molding clay allows Waters to put images he conjures into his own hands, an experience less about inventing fantasy and more about making real a fantasy already present and being able to say—look, here it is.
“I would say, I seem to see things in my head differently than others. And clay allows me to express and show what I see to others,” Waters intimates, “Being a shy person, it’s a window into who I am for others to explore—or run from, whichever takes hold.”
When it comes to what exactly what you might see when peeking in these windows, Waters jokes that if “trial and error” is a style, you can count him in, but really, he’s taking in the world—his style is his own.
“For some time now I’ve be creating sculptures based on cliches, idioms, and colloquialisms. I also like to use trash or discarded items and recycle them, incorporating them into my pieces,” Waters details, “Most recently, I’ve changed direction and am making pieces whose stories include social, cultural, or political messaging in an attempt to bring awareness to issues people face or struggle with. My ‘Ladies in Waiting,’ included in this show, is the first step down this path.”
“Ladies in Waiting—Zari”
Waters’ running list on his phone is his trusty right-hand man that holds all these ideas and concepts in place. Often, when the urge to create strikes, he returns to this list, seeing which idea speaks to him.
“[This is] based on what is inspiring me at that moment, what I think I can figure out how to make, while others I pass over thinking, ‘this one could leave people wondering should I seek professional help or counseling,’” he jokes, “I never have a concrete image in mind as the clay often times tells me what it wants to be and how it should look. And I always welcome the happy accident moments of creation.”
In his current Tiny Gallery show, Waters has homed in on the various directions his mind pulls him in by finding the thread that connects them, showcased in the title of the show: Reminders, Focus on What Matters. Here, you’ll see apples tucked into eye sockets, severed feet covered in honey and jam, and clarinets emerging from wood. They’re rife with both whimsy and poignancy.
“Toe Jam”
“I’m an optimist and feel we can live a happier existence when focusing on what matters. This is a combination of new and old pieces that all have reminded me of things to focus on,” Waters shares, “I hope people look at this exhibit and smile or even laugh. Life’s too short not to enjoy it.”
And Waters himself has much to enjoy as he reflects on 2022—his breakout year, or as he deems it, the “Year of Chilly”
“I have never entered a competition or had an exhibition, and this year, in addition to this honor, I won an award at this year’s Annual South Carolina Palmetto Hands Fine Craft Competition for my piece titled ‘FaceTime,’” Waters effuses, “I am also humbled that the town of North Charleston invited me to do a month-long solo exhibition at the Park Circle Gallery. I will be showing there the month of September and the show is called Words Matter.”
The highlight among this growing experience though? The sense of community.
“Getting to meet other artist, seeing their work and learning about them, their process and their vision,” Waters shares, “So many have impressed and inspired me to continue my journey of personal growth and exploration.”
You can see Chilly’s work at Jasper’s virtual gallery until the end of August, and his show Words Matter is at Park Circle Gallery in North Charleston next month with an opening reception on September 2nd from 5 – 7pm.
Until then, you can stay up to date by checking out his website and be sure to follow his Facebook and/or Instagram @ Chilly Waters Art Studio – you may