February 2018 Exhibition

Containment: Form, Function, and Whimsy

Ceramics from the Fairbanks Potters’ Guild and Alaskan Industrial Evolution by Takenya Rosetta

On view: February 2-24th

Opening Reception: Friday, February 2, 5-7pm

 

Fairbanks Potters’ Guild logo

 

Containment: Form, Function and Whimsy, a group exhibition featuring the Fairbanks Potters’ Guild, represents the diversity of clay artistry in Interior Alaska and focuses on the idea of “Containment,” in functional, whimsical, and even symbolic ways.

The Fairbanks Potters’ Guild is a vibrant cadre of individualist ceramic artists who meet regularly to foster camaraderie, to support creative growth, and to raise awareness of ceramics arts in Fairbanks.

Fairbanks potters work in a variety of ways. While wheel thrown pottery predominates, many potters hand build their work. Surface treatment and design ranges from traditional glazing through textural experimentation, and traditional and contemporary updates of colorful majolica, to the use of sgraffito and other sculptural techniques. Methods of firing also embody the variety of techniques available to potters: high fire, low fire, salt fire, raku, and wood firing. Some potters are primarily interested in form; others focus on function. Some potters seek to use clay as a canvas; some focus on its potential for whimsy.

 

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“As an artist I have had a lifelong appreciation for architecture, furniture, machinery, and tools; I have become increasingly drawn over the last decade to a broader scope of man-made lines of expression. I am Alaska born and a resident for over thirty five years, living as an artist and photographer for over twenty years. When photographing family portraits, real estate or in any creative process I believe in taking every opportunity to employ fresh eyes and remain open to inspiration. Rather than having strict expectations for what I want, I look for original compositions both in the big picture as well as in the details. As an artist I continually push myself to look beyond the ordinary which often leads to interesting experiences climbing trees or my car or lying in the middle of the street to get the perspective that inspires me.”

– Takenya Rosetta

 

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