Photos and reporting by Robert Kokenyesi, Ceramic Artist, Beachfront Pottery, Godfrey, IL, 62035, USA. If you enjoyed this post, then like the post, and also like my Facebook page. There is additional information about Beachfront Pottery on my web site.
The Venue
The “Art is… Distortion of Reality” multimedia exhibit took place from October 2 through November 2, 2019 in the Jacoby Art Center in Alton, Illinois.
The entrance to the Jacoby Art Center.
The Call for Entry
Artists who shatter our perceptions are innovators. Oftentimes, their works immediately grab you, making you believe – if only for a second – that such scenes could actually exist. Jacoby Arts Center wants to challenge patrons with their perception of reality. Our “Art is . . . distortion” Exhibition is an all-media show seeking to present distortion of reality. We are asking artists to show your creative vision and allow us to see your distorted reality.
The Ceramic Art Pieces
On her Facebook profile she states: “I’m a sculptor working in clay, bronze, steel, and whatever else is required by the work. My studio occupies a converted barn near my underground house, and I presently teach at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.” On her web site she mentions that she lives with a heard of cats, so this is probably one of those cats.
Almost a decade-old piece with glass ocean covering the emerging shark made up by a random pile of clay ribbons. The clay ribbons are glazed in a brownish hue, and I was surprised that when I saw the real great white sharks attack, they had a brownish-grey color from above the surface.
This was the last exhibit for this piece. One of my church friends commented on it that she liked it so much when she saw it in the exhibit. So, I gave it to her, and, I trust, it will be residing in a good home.
The ancient Japanese water dragon legend breathed again. Every time I look at this piece I’m reminded that, even against nearly insurmountable odds, experimental results can show amazing results. The flow of the purplish glass was totally unexpected, and hugely inspirational to continue experimenting with glass on ceramics. This powerful topic is so open to further exploration.