Brian Zimerle

Brian Zimerle is a ceramist and sculptor that shares his time between Maine and Philadelphia. He has previously taught at various colleges and in addition to his teaching at the University of Southern Maine, is currently the lead mountmaker at the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology whose collection has significant influence on his art. He draws inspiration from the science, history, and memory of objects from the human built environment. His process is centered on replication but fully embraces generation loss; whether that loss is from the transmutation of material or the filter of his consciousness. His work is often the physical diminished replica; leaving an object that bears little semblance to the original yet retains a charged presence.

He has shown his work regionally and nationally, including the Springfield Museum of Art, the Zanesville Museum of art, the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, and other galleries and institutions. In addition, he has collaborated with archaeologists utilizing his ceramic skills to recreate Sumerian ceramic vessels that were used to brew ancient beer recipes in collaboration with the brewmasters at Great Lakes Brewing Company.