James Maurelle

James Maurelle is an Assistant Professor of Studio Art at Clark University, with affiliations in the Visual and Performing Arts department. He holds an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania and a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. His practice bridges sculpture, video, and sound art, emphasizing labor-creativity correlations and jazz-influenced composition processes. Key research interests include material transformation, interdisciplinary methods, and cultural narratives through industrial materials.

Educational Background:

• M.F.A., University of Pennsylvania (Weitzman School of Design), 2015
• B.F.A., San Francisco Art Institute (Film & Design), 2013
• Postgraduate Apprenticeship, The Fabric Workshop (Philadelphia), 2015–

Research Interests:
Explores labor's intersection with creativity, using tools and materials as instruments. Jazz structures underpin his work ethic, with materials (wood, metal, blood) serving as 'staff paper' for compositions. Recent projects investigate industrial progress, cultural heritage, and material symbolism through installations and performances.

Recent Exhibitions/Trends:
Focused on durational performances (e.g., 24-hour installations) and site-specific works. Recent shows include POSSIBLE FUTURES (2024) and MOVEMENT at Clark University, emphasizing sound and spatial interventions. Material choices increasingly incorporate organic elements like blood, soil, and vegetation, reflecting ecological and bodily themes.

Awards:

• 2022 Pew Fellowship
• 2024–2023 Higgins School Major Grants
• Skowhegan Fellowship (2015)

Teaching & Grants:
Currently teaches Studio Art at Clark University and has held lectures at Penn State and Rutgers. Recent grants fund experimental material projects and community-based installations. Active residencies include Vermont Studio Center (2024) and Windgate ITE (2022).

Labs/Teams:
Collaborates with institutions like the Center for Art in Wood and the Fabric Workshop. Leads interdisciplinary projects blending sculpture, sound, and performance.