Rebecca Barney was born in Logan, Utah and has been working with clay for over 20 years in Utah, Minnesota and in Washington D.C.

She loves teaching students and has over 12 years of teaching experience in different community programs.

Email is the best form of contact: compassrosepottery@gmail.com

Artist Statement

My work is inspired by a variety of historical techniques including the complex patterns from Ancient Greece, the satisfying balance of Mesopotamian wares, the refined forms of dynastic Chinese ceramics and the highly detailed works in the Arts & Crafts movement. I particularly have a deep appreciation for the Arts & Crafts movement as it was a push to value handmade masterly made goods during the industrial revolution, which was replacing the majority of ceramic wares to be made by machines instead of by hand. The Arts & Crafts movement seeks to respect ceramics as an art form both for its functionality and decorative balance, pulling from historical designs and adjusting to fit more modern tastes. In many ways I wish to continue the Arts & Crafts practice. 

I pride myself in the quality of craftsmanship that I have developed through time and practice. I am a self taught artist whose experience developed organically from my own personal pursuit in learning opportunities to continuously develop my skills. It is immensely satisfying to use something that I made and I am proud of. I pursue work that I find comfortable and resonating and that brightens up my everyday rituals.

Experience

Independent Studio Artist, Utah:
Ceramic Artist, 2025-Present

Cache Valley Pottery Studio, Utah:
Studio Manager & Instructor, 2023-2025

District Clay Center, Washington D.C.:
Community Artist & Instructor, 2018-2023

Home Studio, Minneapolis:
Ceramic Artist, 2016-2018

Southwest Community Education, Minneapolis:
Instructor & Studio Manager, 2011-2016

Education

University of Minnesota: 2011-2014

Edina Art Center: 2010

Alliance of the Varied Arts: 2006-2009

Mesa Community, Arizona: 2002

Exhibitions & Shows

MACROS TO MICRO, NCECA:
Geologic Formatin A & Geologic Formation B

Community Quilt, NCECA:
Greek Palmette 1 & Greek Palmette 2

TEMPEST IN A TEA POT, DCC:
Most Funcational Teapot: Globe Tea Pot

VASE TO VASE, DCC:
Best in Show: Klimt Vase

Undergraduate Senior Review, UMN:
Geoid & Globe Sculptures

Cache County K12 Ceramics Show, UT:
2nd Place: Rock n’ Hide

Rebecca and a proud pot, 2012

Photo Gallery