Biography
Born in 1978, Ryan Mitchell is an independent American artist based in Jingdezhen, China, where he established a studio practice under the moniker “Coal Ball.” Known for earthy and expressive clay sculptures, Mitchell first gained recognition in the ceramic arts community of Montana, where he earned his MFA from the University of Montana in Missoula. His work explores the expressive potential of ceramic material, bridging cultural and historical references through a poetic vocabulary of image, sculpture, vessel, and abstraction.
He is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics, founding artistic director of the Taoxichuan Jingdezhen International Studio, and academic curator at Jingdezhen Ceramic University. Since 2007, Mitchell has actively fostered East-West dialogues in contemporary ceramic art.
Education
2005 – MFA, University of Montana, Missoula
2001 – BFA, Montana State University, Bozeman Professional Experience
2018–2022 – Artist-in-Residence & Creative Director, Jingdezhen Ceramic University
2015–2018 – Founding Art Director, Taoxichuan International Studio, Jingdezhen
2015 – Artist-in-Residence, Gaya Ceramic and Design, Bali
2014 – Artist-in-Residence, Red Lodge Clay Center, Montana
2011–2013 – Resident Artist Director, Da Wang Culture Highland, Shenzhen
Awards
1st Place, 7th Shiwan Cup Ceramic Sculpture Competition, Foshan, 2023
2nd Prize, Kaolin Award, Jingdezhen Ceramic Biennale, 2023
McKnight Fellowship Residency, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, 2009
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2025 – Here, Keraforma, Shanghai
2021 – In the Comfort Of Your Own Skin, Yuan Museum, Beijing
2018 – High Heaven Thick Earth, Jingdezhen Ceramic Art Museum
2017 – Brittle Cosmology, Tong-In Gallery, Seoul
2015 – Everywhere We Go, Biasa Art Space, Bali
2010 – Ryan Mitchell, Xi’an Qujing Futo Museum / Dao Art Space
2009 – Altered Narratives, Bentley Projects, Phoenix
2009 – Beatific Conundrums, vol.1-3, Various US venues
2008 – Oscillations of Optimism, Holter Museum, Helena
2007 – The Birth of Rubble, Missoula
2006 – The Other Side of Intention, Missoula
2005 年 – Missoula Technik
Selected Group Exhibitions
(Selected from 2007–2024; full list available upon request)
2024 – Jingdezhen Ceramic Biennale
2023 – 7th Shiwan Cup, Foshan
2022 – Yuan Museum at Guangzhou Spring Art Fair
2018 – Taiwan Ceramic Biennale, Yingge
2017 – Korea Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale
2016 – Foshan Intl. Ceramic Invitational
2015 – Mekong River Project, Bangkok
2014 – NCECA Exhibition, Wisconsin
2012 – Seattle Design Center
2009 – Monserrat College of Art
2007 – XYZ Gallery, Beijing
Collections
Jia Ping Wa Museum, Xi’an
Jingdezhen Ceramic Art Museum
Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue
Tong-In Foundation, Korea
Korea Ceramic Foundation, Gyeonggi
Fule Ceramic Museums, Xi’an
Montana Museum of Art and Culture
Australian National University
Liling Valley Ceramic Museum
Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum
