Haz. Or The Decay Of The Beam.

Pool and Drip.

The forms that I have been working with have recently been more rigidly architectural. It is interesting to see an idea transform and take different directions. In contrast to these more rigid forms, the surfaces have been drawing more on ideas of abstract decoration. Though I am still interested in the toner transfer technique, it is nice to add some variation to my studio routine.  I have been very drawn to some of the luscious surfaces I have been creating while letting slip flow and run, pool and drip. The contrast between the semi-wetness of the thick slip and the dryness of thin slip draws my attention; these textural combinations when placed next to the deep, rich color of the terracotta are exciting.

Something I have been in the habit of doing with this recent work is taking the materials away from their intended firing temperatures and letting this experimentation inform the work.  When fired hotter, the clay becomes richer, yet the slip will run more and become glossy.  Finding the right balance between the color of the clay and the textures of the slip has been an ongoing experiment.  Using a limited number of materials (one primary clay body, one slip, and various stains to color the slip) I have had to learn new ways to develop a larger vocabulary.

Here is the latest work that came out from the kiln.

The sculpture within the sculpture.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of working alongside Nina Hole on the Fire Sculpture for Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark. During the three weeks of the process I was able to make a sculpture using the same clay and Terra Sigillata used in Nina's piece and fire it inside one of the fireboxes of the sculpture.

The result is a subtle yet strong piece very harmonious to its surroundings, the Danish landscapes.

The piece in progress.

Terra Sigillata applied.

Drying in the sun.

The finished piece.

The finished piece.

Detail from the top.

The finished piece.

Detail from the top.

Three new pieces

Three new pieces: 

"Talking Heads"

Talking Heads (frontal view)

Talking Heads (side view)


"Under Layers"  
 

Under Layers

Under Layers (Detail)

Under Layers (Detail)



"Burst" 

Plain Indians Headpiece

Late last year I visited the Nelson Atkins Museum and had the opportunity to see their Plain Indians exhibition. Among the very interesting objects was a wooden headpiece that made an impression on me so big that a series of works inspired by the form started to develop. Bellow are the first results, the surfaces are worked with layers of slip and prints (toner prints) a technique I have been researching for some time now. The work I have been making references the houses and buildings in the streets of Mexico; layer after layer of paint coming off, and a history continually being unveiled.

Wooden Headpiece.

El Escontide Del Conejo / Rabbit Hole (front)

El Escontide Del Conejo / Rabbit Hole (back)

Caballo Santo / Holy Horse (front)

Caballo Santo / Holy Horse (back)

Remanencia / Remanence (front)

Remanencia / Remanence (back)

Casa de Colores / A Color House (front)

Casa de Colores / A Color House (back)

Autoretrato / Self portrait (front)

Autoretrato / Self portrait (back)