Michael Bell
Instructor, Studio Technician
FAB LAB /Ceramics
University of North Florida
Education
2018 MFA, Studio Art, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
2012 BFA, Sculpture/Ceramics, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL
Teaching experience
2024-25
Faculty, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fl
Curatorial Practices: A praxis-based course in curatorial and exhibition studies.
Professional Practices: A capstone course for BFA students to prepare for a career in the arts.
2023
2022
Adjunct Faculty, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fl
Spring- 1 Section of Drawing 1
Adjunct Faculty, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fl
Spring- 1 section of 3D Design, Summer- 1 Section of 3D Design, Fall - 1 section of 3D Design, 1 Section of Drawing 1
2019 Adjunct Faculty, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fl. Fall 2019 Course: One Section of 3D Design.
2018 Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Spring 2018
Instructor of record: A-S 103 Three-Dimensional Form. A broad, cross-disciplinary studio course exploring the elements and principles of designing in the round. Basic concepts involving three-dimensional design in visual art will be explored through discussion and the creation of spatial forms. Special emphasis will be given to the creative process in problem solving.
2017 Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Fall 2017
Instructor of record: A-S 102 Two-Dimensional Surface - A broad, cross-disciplinary studio course exploring design elements and principles as the basic means of organizing twodimensional space. Each student develops the ability to form strategies, concepts and ideas to enhance creativity and articulate personal expression.
2017 Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Spring 2017
Instructor of record: A-S 103 Three-Dimensional Form
2016 Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Course taught: Two-Dimensional Surface [instructor of record], Fall 2016
2016 Teaching Assistant, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Shadow teacher: Two-Dimensional Surface [Instructor: Paul Rogers], Spring 2016.
2015
2013-2015
Teaching Assistant, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Shadow teacher: Two-Dimensional Surface [Instructor: Rae Goodwin], Fall 2015.
Full-time faculty, Duval County Public Schools, Englewood High School, Jacksonville, Fla. (Courses taught: Painting 1 & 2, Drawing 1 & 2)
Exhibition Record
2018 Solo exhibition, Rend, MFA Thesis exhibition, University of Kentucky Bolivar Gallery
2018 Two-person exhibition, Poetic Spaces, Lexarts Gallery, Lexington, Kentucky
2017 Group exhibition, Veritable Landscapes. Mill and Max Gallery, Lexington, Kentucky
2017 Group exhibition, Nccciap conference Student exhibition, Space One eleven, Birmingham, Alabama
2016 Group exhibition, Local Traces and Degraded Effects: the aesthetics of Anthrocide. University of Kentucky, Bolivar Art Gallery.
2015 Juried group exhibition, Carey Ellis Juried Student Exhibition, Bolivar Gallery, University of Kentucky, KY. Juror: Chris Kienke
2013 Group exhibition, In Situ, Northeast Florida Sculptors Group, Ethan Allen Design Gallery, Jacksonville, Fla.
2012 Group exhibition, Installations, Northeast Florida Sculptors Group, EverBank Gallery, Jacksonville, Fla.
Commissions
2012 Corporate art commission, Missionary Map #2, Interior steel wall sculpture, Eastside Community Church, Jacksonville, Fla.
2011 Corporate art commission, Missionary Map, Interior steel wall sculpture, Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Atlantic Beach, Fla.
2010 Corporate art commission, Mind Body soul, Outdoor cast concrete and Steel sculpture, Fleet Landing Assisted Living Facility, Atlantic Beach, Fla.
Workshops, Lectures, Panels
2017 Plus Ultra, Visiting artist demonstration and panel Discussion, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky.
2017 “Captive Landscapes”, 20x20 Presentations, Panelist, National Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art and Practices, Birmingham, Alabama
2017 “Finding a Balance”, Graduate Student Artist Talks, Presenter, University of Kentucky
2016 4-H Youth Development workshop, Working With Wire, A one day intensive workshop in which I developed and worked through a lesson plan for 4-H leaders to implement with their students. The lesson and activity focused on using rebar tie wire to create sculptural forms.
Awards, Grants, Fellowships
2017-18 Awarded fully funded Teaching Assistantship, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
2016-17 Awarded fully funded Teaching Assistantship, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Professional Service and Related Work Experience
2024-2025 Visiting instructor / Lab Tech- Digital FABLAB, Ceramics, University of North Florida.
2022-2024 Interim gallery director, University of North Florida.
2021-2022 Fabricator, Artistic Contractors Inc., Atlantic Beach, Fl
2019-2021 Owner of River May Design, llc. Custom fabrication shop, Jacksonville Beach, Fl
2018-2019 Sculpture and Ceramics Lab Technician, University of North Florida
2017 Search committee, University of Kentucky
2016-2018 Gallery assistant, Bolivar Art Gallery, University of Kentucky.
2017-2018 TA service coordinator, University of Kentucky Sculpture Department.
2013-2015 Full-time faculty, Duval County Public Schools, Englewood High School, Jacksonville, Fla. (Courses taught: Painting 1 & 2, Drawing 1 & 2)
2-dimension processes- Proficient in the following mediums: Acrylic painting, water color and ink. Drawing in all media, Print-making processes including relief, intaglio etching, monoprints, and screen printing. Collage and mixed media.
Digital processes- Proficient in adobe creative suite programs, digital photography, 3D modeling and design software (Rhino, fusion 360, google SketchUp) Laser cutting and cam production tools.
Gallery and studio- I have been both a gallery assistant and a studio technician. I have a strong working knowledge gallery and studio upkeep and best practices.
Woodworking- Extensive operational and safety knowledge in a variety of wood working tools, equipment and processes such as, table saws, Joiners, planers, radial arm saws, band saws, routers, circular saws, jig saws, reciprocating saws, biscuit joiners, all types of pneumatic tools including; sanders, brad nailer, pneumatic stapler, framing nail gun. Extensive knowledge of wood finishing including; painting, epoxy coating, oil and water based staining and top coating. Wood carving tools and processes including chainsaws, hand saws and chisels, pneumatic chisels, rasps, draw knives, adz.
Metalworking- Extensive operational and safety knowledge in a variety of metal working tools and processes including, MIG, ARC, and gas welding, plasma cutting, Oxy-acetylene cutting, Metal finishing including: chasing, grinding, sand-blasting, polishing, painting, epoxy coating, hot and cold patination, powder-coating, metal plating.
Metal casting processes including: aluminum, bronze and cast iron.
Experience in operating and maintaining a variety of furnaces including cast iron cupola and cupolette furnaces, Speedy Melt propane furnaces and induction furnaces
Metal forming and blacksmithing: hot and cold forging, mechanical bending and forming, planishing, shearing and braking. Experience on tools and equipment including: Coal and gas forges, iron worker, trip hammer, planishing wheel, Beverly shear.
Other Processes and technical skills:
Experience with Rhino 3D drawing software
Boss Laser Cutter/engraver 3D Printers, plotters and vinyl cutters
Professional Organizations
2022-23 Member, College Art Association
2016-2022 Member, Mid-South Sculpture Alliance
2012-2022 Northeast Florida Sculptors group