Biography
Jess Riva Cooper is a Toronto-based mixed media artist whose work explores transformation, ecological reclamation, and the relationship between human structures and invasive plant species. Through ceramics and installation-based sculptures, Cooper examines how nature encroaches upon and reshapes the built environment. Her process mirrors this phenomenon—she repurposes fragments of her older sculptures, integrating them into new forms. Once pristine, her figures become overgrown with plant life; their skin is punctured with vines, their heads sprouting leaves instead of hair. These haunting transformations blur the lines between life and decay, capturing moments of struggle and metamorphosis.

Cooper received her BFA from NSCAD University and an MFA in Ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design. She has exhibited widely and participated in prestigious artist residencies, including Medalta, The Archie Bray Foundation, and The Kohler Arts/Industry Program.

Education
2010 – MFA, Ceramics, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
2009 – Teaching Diploma, Brown University, Providence, RI
2006 – Diploma in Craft and Design, Sheridan School of Craft and Design, Oakville, ON
2004 – BFA, Interdisciplinary, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, NS

Exhibitions: Solo
2027 – Idea Exchange, Cambridge, ON
2026 – Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Toronto, ON
2024 – Pullulate, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON
2018 – Every Thread That Binds You, Fentster Gallery, Toronto, ON
2017 – Viral, Gallery House, Toronto, ON
2015 – Serotiny, Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON
2013 – NCECA Projects Space, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
2011 – Sprouting at Bone, Katherine Mulherin Projects, Toronto, ON
2011 – Golem and Dybbuk: New Works by Jessica Riva Cooper, Kniznick Gallery, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

Exhibitions: Group
2025 – As it Unfolds, NADA, New York, NY
2024 – A Living Palette, Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON
2024 – Collect 2024, Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, UK
2024 – Precious Objects: A Collector's Showcase of Young Masters Ceramics, Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, UK
2023 – Young Masters Maylis Grand Ceramic Prize, Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, UK
2023 – ICAF, Gardiner Museum, Toronto, ON
2020 – Ceramattack III: Delicate Multiplex, Duane Reed Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2017 – The Evocative Garden, NCECA Annual Exhibition, Disjecta Contemporary Art Center, Portland, OR
2015 – OFF Artfair, Espace Art 22, Brussels, BE
2015 – Women: A Celebration, Arcadia Contemporary, New York, NY
2014 – Souvenirs from the Future: A Survey of Contemporary Ceramics, Lawrence Arts Center, KS
2014 – RBC Emerging Artist Exhibition, Gardiner Museum, Toronto, ON
2012 – Archie Bray Resident Artist Exhibition, Kolva Sullivan Gallery, Spokane, WA

Artist Residencies
2026 – Medalta, Medicine Hat, AB
2025 – Mid-Atlantic Keramik Exchange, Kópavogur, Iceland
2013 – The Wassaic Project, Wassaic, NY
2013 – Arts/Industry, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI
2012 – Medalta Historic Clay District, Medicine Hat, AB
2012 – Wingate Scholar, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
2011 – Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL
2011 – Hadassah-Brandeis Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
2011 – 2nd Street SE Public Art Project, Medicine Hat, AB

Academic, Teaching & Visiting Artist Roles
2014–2023 – Sessional Faculty, Sheridan College, Oakville, ON
2015–2019 – Instructor, Barbra Schlifer Clinic / Gardiner Museum, Toronto, ON
2015 – Visiting Artist, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
2012–2013 – Visiting Assistant Professor, Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR
2011 – Visiting Artist, Concordia University, Montreal, QC

Publications / Bibliography
2017 – Montgomery, Marc. "Artist Jess Riva Cooper: Ideas in 3 Dimensions," Radio Canada International, May 27.
2016 – Viral: Ceramic Sculptures by Jess Riva Cooper, Inspiration Grid, July 25.
2016 – Hey, Anne. 4 Degrees Arts, Ankama Éditions
2016 – Stouffer, Hannah. The New Age of Ceramics, Gingko Press
2015 – Insidious Ceramic Plants, The PhotoPhore, September.
2014 – Jobson, Christopher. "Haunting Ceramic Faces Overgrown with Vegetation by Jess Riva Cooper," Colossal, April 7.
2014 – Viral Series: Ceramic Busts by Jess Riva Cooper, Hi-Fructose Magazine, April 22.
2014 – Kohler, Ruth DeYoung. Arts/Industry: Collaboration and Revelation, John Michael Kohler Arts Center
2014 – RBC Emerging Artist People's Choice Award, Gardiner Museum
2011 – Golem and Dybbuk: New Works by Jessica Riva Cooper, Brandeis University
2010 – Featured Artist Profile, RISD XYZ Magazine, Fall Edition

Awards & Recognitions 2023 – Young Masters Maylis Grand Ceramic Prize, Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, UK
2023 – Helen Copeland Memorial Award in Ceramics, Craft Ontario, Toronto, ON
2014 – RBC Emerging Artist, Gardiner Museum, Toronto, ON
2012 – Wingate Scholar, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT