American Clay: Modern Potters, Traditional Pots

Coming to Fuller Craft Museum in January 2021, American Clay: Modern Potters, Traditional Pots explores the concept of “traditional” ceramics within a contemporary context by featuring the work of 12 ceramic artists who interpret specific historical styles. Items on display will highlight such issues as the interplay between historical fidelity and personal inspiration, evolving definitions of “tradition bearers,” and the influence of various marketing and education criteria, supplemented by discourses on how participating artists approach these issues.

Curated by Stephen Earp, American Clay builds on a growing interest in traditional or “folk” art among many of today’s ceramic artists by featuring work reflecting such 17th-18th century styles, including Redware, Delft, Mocha, and Rockingham. This exhibition is sponsored by the Caroline R. Graboys Fund.

In order of appearance:
Don Carpentier, Tortoise Shell Plate, 2014. Earthenware, press molded, and pierced, with late 18th century Wheildon Pottery inspired English “tortoise-shell” glaze, 1.5″ x 9.5″ x 9.5″
Kevin Hicks, Victory Falls Vase, 2017. Earthenware, thrown and sculpted by Kevin Hicks, glazed by Becky Hansen, 14.5″ x 4.5″
Brenda Hornsby, Passing, 2019. Wood-fired, salt and alkaline-glazed stoneware with applied decals. 12″ tall
Wesely Muckey, Face Jug, 2016. Earthenware with colored clay inserts, 14″ tall
Stephen Earp, Lidded Jar, 2020. Thrown earthenware vase, maiolica overglaze decoration 15″ x 8.5″ x 8.5″
Stephanie Young, Unity is the Remedy, 2020. Thrown and slip decorated porcelain, 18.5″ x 7.5″