A collection of ceramics by three artists — Aysha Peltz, Matt Kelleher and Shoko Teruyama — opened yesterday in the Andrews Gallery. Professor Brad McLemore, who teaches ceramics classes at the College of William and Mary, serves as the gallery coordinator and selects the works to be displayed.
McLemore emphasized the practical concerns when explaining why he selected these artists.
“We really have to coordinate to get a lot of fragile work here,” he said. “It’s not like I have the entire ceramics universe available [to me].”
McLemore’s selection of the featured artists was associated with ceramics workshops that they teach. Kelleher and Teruyama jointly taught a workshop this past November, which focused on hand building and slab techniques. Peltz, who specializes in wheel-throwing, taught a workshop last Thursday, Feb. 18.
Despite a variety of sources, the overall is cohesive and unified.
Some pieces demonstrate a collaboration between the artists, helping to unify the exhibition. Kelleher built up the forms, which Teruyama then etched into with a scrolling vine motif in order to lead the viewer’s eye around the piece and create what Teruyama calls “visual movement.”
Peltz works on a larger scale than most ceramics artists. According to Peltz’s artist statement, her emphasis on size is meant to complicate the viewer’s perception of traditional utilitarian pots, bowls and vases.
Her pieces often have the appearance of falling into themselves, an affect achieved by her careful handling of the clay on the wheel.
In contrast, Kelleher stays that he develops his forms by “considering the requirements of utility.” Ultimately, his pieces become an attempt to “capture the essence of utility.”
Teruyama’s work delves into the realm of representation, often using ornamental birds to represent her sense of freedom.
“The symmetry has been pushed and pulled,” McLemore said of one piece. “It started out almost like a big dog dish, but through [Teruyama’s] movements it arrived at a different place.”
With no over-arching theme, the pieces speak for themselves.
“3-D work is more difficult to organize,” McLemore said. “They are all individual objects, so the show is very object-oriented.”
The show’s opening reception will be held in the gallery Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
