Figurative Red Earthenware Vessels
This body of work was first shown at the Hite Art Institute of Art and Design at The University of Louisville, Covi Gallery in Louisville, Kentucky.
In this series of Ceramic Vessels I chose to use a red Earthenware clay. My desire to create a body of work of Figurative Earthenware Vessels was inspired having spent time in mucky creek beds in Henry County, with like minded friends who we happy to embrace the muck and then share a meal.
An Ancient Roman technique applying a coating of Terra Sigillata before a second firing always intrigued me, so I followed that path. The Romans used this technique to make sturdy dinnerware. My vessels, like the Romans, are brought to life by burnishing the outside of each piece, creating a lustrous finish that is reminiscent of a warmed human body after a day in the sun.
Each piece is part of a community of women, joining together for conversation and sharing stories. I would like to think that the Roman’s might have experienced the same sense of community when gathering for a meal.
Porcelain Clay Bottles in female form
This body of work was presented by: The Shop, KMAC Kentucky Museum of Art and Crafts
This collection of bottles were inspired during my Art History studies. In many cultures it is the women’s responsibility to to carry water back to the home. Many cultures carry this water long distances up their heads. As I pondered this cultural expectation I began to think of women in a broader perspective as the integral part of a community throughout the world that nurture not only the souls but the lifeline to living beings which is water.
Many of my bottles represent the community of women that gathered as one, with their whole beings (the entirety of the bottle) sustaining life.
Pears
My obsession with pears began during my studies as a BFA student at the University of Louisville. Pears always have the human form embedded within their distinctive shape. My first round of pear making was at the ceramic wheel. Creating unique designs that maintained the form of a pear, yet accentuating the comparison to the human form.
As you will see in the photographs that follow, two very large pears were pieced together with smaller squares of clay. Bringing the sculpture to a unrealistic size, yet still embracing the lovely pear form.
The “Peared Together” a combination of the large pears and smaller pears, along with various pear paintings of mine, was exhibited at SCOUT ON MARKET. SCOUT was a contemporary retail shop owned by dear friends that help to start the revival of a retail area in Louisville on Market Street now designated NULU.
Functional Pieces
For me making vessels for either drinking or serving is a way to warm up to larger creations. In my body of work you will see footed bowls for serving or figurative mugs for drinking. Occasionally a larger platter, and a random tall cylinder that challenges my throwing skills to get back up to speed.
I enjoy creating vessels that go beyond the scope of functional pottery. A few I have had to pleasure to join with other ceramic artists to wood fire in a giant outdoor kiln. Of late, I had build more often as my studio is used for both my Oil Painting and Ceramic work. in order to minimize the dust component of the clay, I lean toward hand building to get my hands in the mud but spare my wet oil paintings the dust.