Opening October 15, at Patina Gallery, is an exhibition of
works in clay from Arizona artist, Nicholas Bernard. Colourforms will feature more than thirty of his newest
works, examples of which reside in the collections of California's American
Museum of Ceramic Art, the Wichita Center for the Arts and the Tokyo
International Airport.
Nicholas
Bernard
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Bernard's works reflect his fascination with the traditional
vessel form, as object, in relationship to color. His works range from
voluptuous, tapering spherical forms, some more than two feet high, to lovely
attenuated shapes, with elongated necks, stretched and swept off center. His
palette of warm golden oranges, soft sage greens, true black and colors in
between, balances with his texturally satisfying forms. The relationship of form
and palette is subtle and rewarding.
Concurrent with Bernard's exhibition, commencing on October 27, is a
symposium addressing criticism in contemporary clay. CRITICAL Santa Fe, Developing Criticism: Interpretation/
Judgment is a first of its kind event featuring discussions and
roundtable talks by critics Donald Kuspit, Dave Hickey, Janet Koplos, Moyra
Elliot, Garth Clark and others. The symposium, organized by New Mexico clay
artist, Jim Romberg, will examine criticism in art and sculpture, before
exploring criticism as it applies to clay. Contemporary critical practice will
require a dialogue of many voices. This symposium is organized to encourage
interaction, dialogue and response to the featured presentations. Attendance
will be limited. Recognizing the need to engage all aspects of the field, the
invited presenters include critics, educators, artists, gallery owners, writers,
students, editors, collectors and patrons.
The organizers of CRITICAL Santa Fe extend the discourse to the
art community of Santa Fe by scheduling divers seminars at local galleries.
Seven Santa Fe galleries will host exhibitions of works by guest clay artists
and on Friday, October 29, one critic from the symposium will each visit one
gallery to discuss the work displayed. Patina Gallery will participate by
hosting an exhibition of works by Jeff Shapiro and Neil Tetkowsky, with a
critique/discussion with Raphael Rubenstein. Earlier the same day, Patina
Gallery director, Ivan Barnett, will be a presenter at the symposium, together
with Jane Sauer, Linda Durham and Diane Karp.
Symposium attendees will appreciate the
technical skill and simple beauty of Nicholas Bernard's work. Bernard makes
pots. "I have thought about working in a more conceptual way but finally
decided that is not who I am, that is not what I want to be. I make pots that
very, very few people can make and I make them very, very well."
In his artist statement, Bernard writes, "Form is everything; I stretch clay
to make canvases for decoration. Texture, pattern and color are successful
additions when the shapes are impeccable. My inspirations are many, from the
classic forms of antiquity to the simple, graceful pots made by indigenous
peoples and the work of modern studio potters. This current body of work deals
with simple clean form. Handles and other flourishes are conspicuously lacking.
Dramatic color and subtle texture accentuate what I hope is a mastery of the
traditional vessel form. I want to simplify the visual experience. I seek to
create flawless forms that speak of five thousand years of ceramic
tradition."
Bernard has been building clay vessels for more than thirty years. It is
all he does. Sometimes the vessels survive firings, sometimes they don't and his
backyard is festooned with wreckage from his kiln. Clay shards cover nearly all
the surfaces and have become part of the landscaping. When asked how long it
takes to throw, fire, color and complete a vessel, Bernard laughs. "I tell
people it takes thirty years, because that's how long it takes to master the
techniques."
Bernard's thrown
vessels begin with white earthenware clay. By layering the colored slips and
oxides, he creates the color and texture that are his trademark. All pieces are
fired to Cone 3 or 2000 degrees.
Bernard will attend the opening reception for exhibition on Friday,
October 15, beginning at 5:00. The show will continue through November 7,
2010.
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