Saito Hiroshi Thin wool, Rouketsu Dyeing
Rug by Otti Berger, smyrna wool and hemp, (1930) Bauhaus Weaving Workshop
(Source: elephantwhiskers)
We are big fan’s of Emilie Halpern We first heard about her work through one of our favorite galleries, Pepin & Moore. After digging a little deeper, we found out that when Emilie isn’t focusing on photography or collages, she somehow fits in the time to make beautiful ceramics. Pepin Moore has a really nice selection of her ceramics on their second story. With the graciousness of Pepin Moore, we now have some Emilie’s work. We highly recommend you going to Pepin & Moore and looking at ALL of Emilie’s work.
Q: Could you describe the kind of pottery you make and do you have a style?
A: I make stoneware. I throw my pieces on a wheel. Later they are high fired at 2350 degrees Fahrenheit in a gas kiln, in a reduced atmosphere with no oxygen. I’m inspired by Japanese pottery, and mid century pottery from California (Harrison McIntosh, Otto & Gertrud Natzler). Some other loves are Lucie Rie, Lucio Fontana, Fausto Melotti, David Korty, and Shio Kusaka.
Q: There seem to be 2 styles of pottery that we got from you, can you explain each? the white with blue paint and the the darker pots.
A: The white with blue is cobalt carbonate applied with a paint brush on a white clay body that’s then been dipped in a clear glaze. They were inspired by Japanese Arita pottery which has that same blue underglaze on white clay. The darker pots are a clay called Black Mountain with a Korean Celadon glaze. I fill the vessels with glaze and as I pour it out it creates the designs on the exterior. The glazing process is much more gestural and free, it leaves more to chance. I enjoy that loss of control, and letting the materials lead.
Q: Did you start making pottery prior to your photography or vice versa?
A: Pottery came much later for me. Over the years my artwork has become more conceptual, so I was progressively spending less and less time making things, and more time thinking about them, or having them fabricated. Ceramics was a way for me to get back to getting my hands dirty, and exploring materials, which was why I originally fell in love with making art. It allows me to get lost in the moment, and let go of the idea of a finished product and just enjoy the process.
Q: Any shows coming up?
A: My work is currently exhibited at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena in a group show titled ” Facing the Sublime in Water, CA” curated by Irene Tsatsos. I have an ephemeral sculpture titled “Drown” in the main space, and my photograph “Nocturne” has been blown up into a billboard. More of my pottery is on view at Pepin Moore in Chinatown in their upstairs space called “Second Story”. I will be doing my third solo exhibition with them next year, which will include photographs and sculptures.
Q: Does living in LA have influence your work?
A: Yes.
Q: What are your plans for thanksgiving?
A: It’ll be my son’s first Thanksgiving, we’ll be spending it with family locally. I love food, so I love Thanksgiving.
(Source: gcolton)
Art Smith spiral neclace.
Art Smith (1917-1982). Trained at Cooper Union, Art Smith opened his first shop on Cornelia Street in Greenwich Village in 1946. One of the leading modernist jewelers of the mid-twentieth century, Smith was also an active supporter of black and gay civil rights, an avid jazz enthusiast, and a supporter of early black modern dance groups.
Art Mutha FN Smith! Yeah!
(via 2turtlestumbling)
