Clay and Paper, a gallery dedicated to artisan crafts, holds a reception that embodies its name, combining an exhibit of pottery with a book signing.
The show, A Passion for Pottery, features work by 10 southeastern potters included in Kevin Hluch's book The Art of Contemporary Pottery (Krause Publications).
Each of the artists is known for sensual yet functional pottery; they are Nick Joerling, Michael Simon, Gay Smith, Stanley Mace Anderson, Bonnie Seeman, John Tilton, McKenzie Smith, Susan Filley, Terry Gess and Kate Shakeshaft Murry.
Nick Joerling's pottery speaks to a sense of humor and risk. Michael Simon's slat-fired work is thrown and then altered to be squared off, giving him an end to his forms that are accented with an abstract shape, such as that of a horse or dog. Gay Smith throws thick pots, then cuts the sides to look like overlapping slabs.
Stanley Mace Anderson uses a majolica technique to achieve a palette of bright colors for his designs on his earthenware tableware. Bonnie Seeman carves pitchers and vessels in plant-like forms.
John Tilton's porcelain pottery shows round, organic gourd-like forms, executed with a handsome matte crystalline or copper glaze. McKenzie Smith wood-fires his work, making a connection between tending the fire and his work. Susan Filley works in porcelain to accentuate her affinity for detail.
Terry Gess strives for a coltish beauty in his pottery. Kate Shakeshaft Murray's soft-looking thrown forms remind one of the beginnings of pots.
This show is a companion to Power of Pottery, a show curated by Kevin Hluch and set to open at the Dunedin Fine Art Center on Jan. 9.
The reception and book signing take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan 3. The exhibit runs through Feb. 29. Clay and Paper is located at 350 Main St., Dunedin. 727-736-0934.
This article appears in Jan 1-7, 2004.