about
Oliver Estes is a ceramic artist based in Lincoln, NE, expecting to complete dual degrees in Ceramics and Art History from UNL in the spring of 2026. His work explores the boundaries of material through the atmospheric process of soda firing. Primarily using bare clay surfaces, the kiln’s atmosphere leaves its mark on each object through flashing patterns and color shifts that result from the firing process, something which can be guided but never fully controlled. Each piece displays its own unique surface and characteristics, a result of the collaboration between himself and the kiln.
He has lately been experimenting with wild clay, seeking to understand how local materials respond to the atmospheric process as well as what kinds of histories and ideas can be explored through the use of clay directly pulled from the earth. Through this work he aims to celebrate the qualities and characteristics of clay, while also investigating what physical and conceptual limits the material has
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Education
2026 | BFA, Ceramics, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Expected)
2026 | BA, Art History and Criticism, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Expected)
Experience
2025 | Kiln Construction Assistant to Doug Casebeer, Elkhorn, NE
2025 | Summer Residence Artist, Cub Creek Foundation, Appomattox, VA
2022 - 2025 | Collections Intern, Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln NE
2022 - 2025 | Student Ambassador, Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln, NE
2022 - 2024 | Art Wrapper / Bid Helper, Bemis Art Center Benefit Auctions, Omaha, NE
Group Exhibitions
2025 | Howard/Vreeland Awards Exhibition, Richards Hall, Lincoln, NE
2025 | Sip: A Ceramic Cup Show, Savannah Clay Community, Savannah, GA
2025 | 38th Annual Undergraduate Juried Exhibition, Eisentrager Howard Gallery, Lincoln, NE
2025 | February First Friday Show, Clements Noyes Gallery, Lincoln, NE
2024 | Winter Warmers Cup Show, Good Earth Pottery, Bellingham, WA
2024 | NASAD Student Exhibition, Richards Hall, Lincoln, NE
2024 | Kindled Spirits 3, Good Earth Pottery, Bellingham, WA
2024 | Teabowl National, KC Clay Guild, Kansas City, MO
2024 | 18th Annual Yunomi Invitational, Clay AKAR, Iowa City, IA
2024 | Creative Commons @ the Uncommon Gallery, Lincoln NE
2023 | Creative Commons Gallery, Lincoln NE
Solo Exhibitions
2025 | the peace of wild things, Medici Gallery, Lincoln, NE
2024 | Explorations in Soda, Medici Gallery, Lincoln, NE
2020 | Untitled Solo Exhibition, The Bay, Lincoln NE
Awards
2025 | Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) Grant Recipient, UNL
2025 | Hixson-Lied Undergraduate Student Study Grant
2023 | English Writing Award, UNL English Department
2023 | Third Place Art Award, Laurus Magazine
2021 | Jane T. Anderson Scholarship Fund
2021 | High Honors in Art, Lincoln Elks Lodge
2021 | Senior Ceramic Artist of the Year, Southeast High School
Publications
2023 | Laurus, UNL
2023 | Creative Commons Zine
