Photos and reporting by Robert Kokenyesi, Ceramic Artist, Beachfront Pottery, Godfrey, IL, 62035, USA. If you enjoyed this post, then give me a “like” on my Facebook page. There is additional information about Beachfront Pottery on my web site.
The Venue
Traditionally, the Central Time Ceramics exhibit has been split between the Heuser Art Gallery, and the Hartmann Center Gallery. These two buildings are on the campus of Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
On top is the Hartmann Center with a nice gallery space immediately right to the entry doors.
Below is the Heuser Art Gallery, through those doors and then left.
The Call for Entry
Submissions were open to all ceramic artists over the age of 18 who currently reside in the Central Time Zone. Central Time Zone states include: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin; however not all counties within these states are within the Central Time Zone. Artists who reside in areas of Canada and Mexico that are within the Central Time Zone are also eligible. Artwork submitted must have been completed within the last three years.
The Ceramic Art Pieces
This blog is part 5 of 5. Bowls, platters, pitchers, and mugs are included here. Parts 1-4 of this series covering figurative sculptural pieces, abstract cultural pieces, lidded vessels, and unlidded vessels have already been published.
Nolan writes on his web site about his figurative works: “I focus on making work that can be used comfortably and easily. I want my work to vaguely reference some sort of thing you’ve seen before, but you’re not quite sure where. The surface is defined with arches, ellipses, and “lotus” petals that I render in slips and glaze. The patterns are mapped out based on the golden ratio, and by repeating and flipping simple math equation graphs, certain Asian or Middle Eastern motifs emerge.” It’s cool how a math-based glazing pattern can look this good.
From what I could gather from Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, Susan has been making paintings, sculptures, and ceramic pieces. Her elaborately crafted bowl portfolio includes cherry blossoms and pond lily scenes. On this bowl I especially like the barnacles.
“My current work focuses on the on the geologic transformations that shape the landscape, these tremendous forces are full of movement, energy and life. What if that spirit was morphed with geologic formations and ceramic objects? The resulting uncanny amalgamations would represent the merging of nature and culture. Rather than an actual depiction of the natural world, the sculptures suggest the essence of the natural world. The sculptures appear to be evolving, moving, growing and impermanent, just like the landscapes from which they emerged.” Instead of going to Michael’s web site, check out this interview for more details.
The Eshelmans’ web site has newspaper articles, and many eye-catching images of their functional pieces. The red clay body combined with lead-free glaze, and simple design produces pieces like these bottles. In one article these pieces are described as ” beautiful, clay vessel creations that scream simplicity, function and strong architectural lines.”.
On her web site Taylor states: “I use decoration to connect the viewer with an evocative and imaginary surface that is organized with areas of abstracted, dynamically sweeping vines and leaves, geometric spaces, and botanical drawings to attract and draw the eye around the pot, revealing interaction between the ground, the negative space, and the form. Through these drawings, I adorn my pots with drawings of botanical symbolism and ornamentation, to enrich the surface and imbue the vessel with deeper meaning. These drawings are at times a metaphor for my own memories and experiences, or simply a symbolic reference to the density and complexity of plant life.” The words “memento mori” means remember death, and in Christina culture it is used to remind us to reflect on our mortality, and the path of our souls that may head to Heaven or Hell. Now that’s truly deep meaning for a mug. Taylor also does metal work and illustration. Worth checking it out!
On her web site Lisa states: “The utilitarian objects that I design transcend function, becoming symbolic vehicles in the social act of eating or gathering. My work may be used to delight all the senses and to enhance social experiences with handmade ceramics.” To me the attractive features of these pieces are the glazed lines that add to the definition of the shape.