Ryan Takaba is a material-based artist whose sculptures, tableaux, and installations are centered around a study of scientific reason and the power of belief, incorporating thematic materials  -flowers, ash, wax, and water.  He experiments with properties and functionality of materials to solve design problems, formal aesthetics, and conceptual stances.  His interest in materials as it pertains to science, exploration of process and duration, chance and unpredictability stem from his training and education in the ceramic discipline. 

Takaba earned an MFA in Ceramics from Kent State University and a  BFA in Ceramics from the University of Hawai`i.  He has received grants and residencies from, Artpace -San Antonio, The European Ceramic Work Center-Netherlands, The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen -China, The Kunstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin -Germany sponsored by The Contemporary at Blue Star -San Antonio,  Artist Foundation Visual Arts Grant -San Antonio, and the Teaching Artist Cohort Grant awarded by The Center for Craft -Asheville.  He  currently lives and works in Phoenix, Arizona where his practice consists of exhibition work, public art with his collaborative team,  and teaching at Arizona State University. 

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