Call for Entries Flash Point-An International Juried Wood Fire Exhibition


Purpose
Plinth Gallery, in collaboration with The Boulder Pottery Lab, present, “Flash Point – An International Wood Fire Exhibition”. This juried exhibition is designed to bring together artists who work within this age-old tradition of wood-fired ceramics. The slow, methodical process, the historical link, and the unique finish all celebrate the path of the flame and the illumination of clay in its most elemental state. Flash Point will celebrate the surfaces and forms that are adorned by the dance of fire and showcase the diversity of wood fired ceramics.

Juror
John Balistreri

Deadline to receive submission materials: August 3, 2012

Full details here.

Upcoming workshops at Plinth Gallery


Jason Hess Tall Bottle Forms Wood Fired.

Jason Hess-April 7, 2012 9am-4pm

In this one day workshop, Jason will demonstrate his methods for creating wheel thrown tall bottle forms and teapots, including construction of his press molded spouts. He will also present information on wood-firing techniques and his many years of involvement with the process. This will a demonstration workshop with plenty of opportunity for discussion.


Image: Farraday Newsome and Jeff ReichFarraday Newsome and Jeff Reich will present a two day hands-on workshop at the gallery Saturday and Sunday May 5-6. On Saturday May 5 Farraday Newsome will demonstrate the handbuilding techniques she uses to build her terra cotta covered boxes. She will also cover her innovative Majolica painting techniques. The day will conclude with an image presentation and gallery talk.

On Sunday May 6 Jeff will give a gallery talk and a slide presentation of his work. In the afternoon, workshop participants will decorate tiles using the techniques that Farraday has previously demonstrated.



Image: Sandi Pierantozzi

Sandi Pierantozzi: June 2-3 2012 Flat / Form / Function / Handbuilding Functional Pots

In this workshop we will cover how to hand build functional pots which have good form, function well, and have a sensitivity to the human touch as well as other senses. We will primarily be using soft slabs.

Demonstrations will include forming techniques that use circular and rectangular templates, and the method of making various parts fit together. Through making and combining cylindrical and conical parts, a variety of forms will be shown. Alternate ways of treating the bottom of a pot with regard to added feet or foot rings will be included, as well as various types of handles made from slabs and coils. How to arrive at accurate templates will also be discussed. Good craftsmanship is important, so there will be much attention paid to detail and finishing touches.


Image: Don Davis

Don Davis will conduct a 2 day workshop at the Gallery August 4-5.

He will demonstrate both wheel thrown and hand built forming methods. The workshop will start with with bowl forms and move on to composite pieces constructed from components formed by various methods. Discussion will focus on many areas of ceramics including clay choices related to form, wild materials, the improvisation, the challenge of throwing thick or thin, surface treatments, and firing methods, and finally, staying open to new possibilities while exercising personal choices toward your desired results. Ceramic history and cultural influences will be discussed as fundamental inspiration for our own contemporary philosophy and work.

Having worked primarily in porcelain for a number of years and presently also working in terracotta, Don’s slide presentation will cover transitions in his individual clay work as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. His recent project in experimental archaeology, the reconstructed Etruscan Cetamura kiln at Castello Spannocchia, Italy will be covered as well as some geology, sources of inspiration, and thoughts on a life in clay. Don Davis is the author of “Wheel Thrown Ceramics” published by Lark Books.

For more info please visit the Plinth Gallery Website

Plinth Gallery
3520 Brighton Blvd
Denver CO 80216

Jim Kraft: Ceramic Constructions

Exhibition opens November 4th, 6-9pm
Exhibition on display through November 26th

Jim Kraft’s work is compelling yet deceptive. Kraft builds large container forms by using small pieces of cut or torn clay which is constructed in such a way as to appear as a completely different material. This manipulation of the clay creates a visual deception, of baskets constructed of wood, fiber or cork pieces when in reality, they are ceramic.

Seattle-based Kraft has worked in ceramics for over 30 years, and likes the idea of being a part of the long history of people making things with their hands. He has described his own work as an evolution of ideas, often influenced by the natural world and native cultures. Kraft often works with the idea of smaller parts making up the whole, and this can be seen clearly in pieces such as “White Keep” or “Kala”. These large vessels are made using coil and brick-like pieces, or cut and torn clay parts assembled to create a vessel which appears basket-like. Kraft’s use of texture in the clay is exciting, and this exploitation of texture, combined with his use of natural colors for surface treatment, further trick the eye into seeing a different material.

View more of Jim’s work here. Visit the Plinth Gallery website for more info.Plinth Gallery is located at 3520 Brighton Blvd. in Denver, Colorado To contact the gallery please call 303-295-0717 or email us.