David Orser & Laurel MacDuffie : Clay Sanctuaries
Part of the NEW ENGLAND CURRENTS Series
February 27, 2008 - April 6, 2008
Reception Sunday, March 2, 3 - 5 p.m.
Gallery Talk Sunday, March 9, 1 p.m.
Workshop Sunday, March 9, 2 - 5 p.m.
The Danforth Museum of Art is pleased to present Clay Sanctuaries, an exhibition of ceramic sculpture by local artists David Orser and Laurel MacDuffie. On view in the Swartz Family Gallery from February 27th through April 6th as part of the New England Currents series, the exhibition includes recently created clay and mixed media objects, pottery and sculptural forms.
On Sunday, March 9th, the artists will speak on the motivations, inspirations, and processes for their work in the gallery at 1 p.m. A workshop with both artists follows the gallery talk, and includes slide presentation, demonstration of working process, discussion of materials and technique. All are welcome to attend the gallery talk. Registration is required for the three-hour workshop. Call to register: 508.620.0937.
Untitled #235, 2007 Untitled #18, 2007
Salt-fired porcelain Salt-fired porcelain
Size: 17 x 13 x 12 inches 21 x 21 x 11 inches
Courtesy of the Artist Courtesy of the Artist
Photo credit: David Orser Photo credit: David Orser
About David Orser
Orser’s work is the result of an investigation into structures that manifest similarly on micro and macroscopic levels. The inherent contradiction of growth vs. assembly; human artifact vs. animal architecture, chaotic happenstance and the metamorphosis of material all inform the works’ content, which has evolved over 16 years. His structures include spiked glazed pieces built from porcelain coils and disc assemblages built from stoneware clay, fired in either a propane reduction or oxidizing salt firing.
Orser received his undergraduate degree from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and received his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He also participated in programs at the Watershed Center from Ceramic Art, Penland School of Craft and the Tuscarora Pottery School. He has exhibited in numerous individual and group shows throughout New England and received the Zachos Award at the Ceramics Biennial 2006, New Hampshire Institute of Art.
The artist's web site: www.cedarmountainpotters.com.
Blanket Chest, Simon Brown Cemetery,
Dry Sink , 2007 Parsonsfield, Maine, 2007
Stoneware, wood, metals Stoneware, wood, metals, oil paint
2.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches 4.5 x 6 x 2.5 inches
Courtesy of the Artist Courtesy of the Artist
Photo credit: Laurel MacDuffie Photo credit: Laurel MacDuffie
About Laurel MacDuffie
MacDuffie creates stoneware containers which recall a centuries old past thanks to inscriptions and exquisite glazes. She attempts to give importance and sanctuary to tender feelings. Living in a small rural town, she explores Early American imagery searching through remnants left on the land by past generations contemplating questions of life, meaning, human activity and the present state of our world. These boxes made of clay, wood and metals, reference 18th and 19th century American furniture, particularly everyday objects such as the blanket chest. Early American aesthetics are also represented in surface decoration. The interiors of the boxes depict an abstraction of furniture motif and are meant to evoke emotionality in the viewer. MacDuffie states, “clay, like the land, is a responsive, faithful record keeper. Its qualities evoke emotions in me that help direct the form.”
MacDuffie received her B.A. from Connecticut College and her M.A. in Art Therapy at Lesley College. She received the Amaco Merchandise Award at Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center in Lancaster, PA in 2005 and Best of Show in the Ceramics Biennial 2006, New Hampshire Institute of Art. She has taught in the Danforth Museum School since 1999.
The artist's' web site: www.cedarmountainpotters.com.
Copyright © 2008 Danforth Museum of Art. All rights reserved. — Contact