Delvin Goode

Delvin Goode was born in Riverside, CA.  His father was a US Air Force member which provided Goode valuable experiences in both North America and Europe as a child.  His father and siblings were talented artists, and his parent’s often held art competitions in their home, and every Friday at the local Pizza Hut by drawing caricatures of each other until their food arrived. This familial nurturing provided Goode with a comical and unique sense of artistic independence manifesting itself across multiple mediums throughout his life.  He was the first to go to college for art in his family and he received a Bachelor of Science (Graphic Design) from Florida State University, Florida in 2000. In 2002 he joined the US Army and is still enjoying every minute of it.  He started his journey towards his MFA at Fort Hays State University, Kansas in 2015 and is projected to graduate during the summer of 2021.

“The pottery wheel is my main tool of choice.  Currently I bounce back and forth between white earthenware and Nara porcelain, but throw a few other clays in the mix from time to time.  I usually work in batches of 4-6 pieces at a time until I get a kiln load.  Once bisque fired the process of applying the graphics begins!  I recently discovered the awesomeness of underglaze and have been exploring them intensely.  The graphics on my work are achieved by alternating underglaze and custom vinyl stencils that I create myself.  I use an airbrush gun to apply the underglaze which provides an even finish on each layer of color.  I use Adobe Illustrator and a vinyl cutting machine to create the multiple stencils needed for each design.  Once dry they are back in the kiln to let the real magic happen.  It can be a tedious process, but the results are well worth it if you get it right!”

**The views expressed are those of the artist and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, Department of Defense or the US Government.

Artist Statement

I have always dabbled in various forms of art but fell in love with pottery when I took a ceramic wheel throwing elective during my undergrad studies.  I ABOSLUTELY SUCKED AT IT, HAHA!  It was the first medium I ever tried but was not in the top tier of the class, in fact I was the worst.  I put a lot of time in the studio, so much time, trying to get better and was eventually asked to teach a beginner’s course.  Once I started teaching, I knew ceramics would forever be a part of my life.

The most intimate art forms to me are functional ceramic pieces.  The ability to make something with your hands and use it during day-to-day life is very intriguing.  I mainly create small batch series of mugs, bowls, and plates all beginning on the potter’s wheel.  I want people to use each piece, stain it, chip it, because the art is completed when fond memories are attached to the object through its use. My work is intended to put smiles on people’s faces and the graphics I add to my work are purposed for that.  I strive to always insert joy into the world through my art and I am always looking for ways keep that good going.