OUTPOUR 2013

An Invitational Exhibition of Works by Established Contemporary Ceramic Artists
Curated by Ben Bates / Exhibition March 1 – April 17, 2013

Opening Reception Friday, March 1, 7:00 - 9:00p.m.

Showing in conjunction with FUSEDChicago: A Group Encaustic Exhibition in the Wright Gallery

Please view the catalogue of works on view here.

Works by: Dan Anderson, Bob Archambeau, Ben Bates, Joe Bennion, Margaret Bohls, David Bolton, Chris Campbell,Linda Christensen, Sam Chung, Bede Clark, Charity Davis-Woodard, Josh DeWeese, Paul Dresang, Neil Estrick, Adam Field, Julia Galloway, John Glick, Steven Hill, Chuck Hindes, Cathi Jefferson, Doug Jeppesen, Brian R. Jones, Matt Kelleher, Ben Krupka, Jayson Lawfer, Simon Levin, Suze Lindsay, Liz Lurie, Kent McLaughlin, Lorna Meaden, Jenny Mendes, Ron Meyers, Ted Neal, John Neely, Lou Pierozzi, Adam Posnak, Deb Schwartzkopf, Brad Schwieger, Jane Shellenbarger, Linda Sikora, Gertrude Smith, Tara Wilson, Gwendolyn Yoppolo

The Cup: Matt Kelleher - Marshall, NC

Matt Kelleher Cup
wheel thrown, soda fired, red clay
(4.5 x 3.5 inches) CUP 106 $28 SOLD

Matt Kelleher Cup
wheel thrown, soda fired, red clay
(4.25 x 3.5 inches) CUP 107 $28 SOLD

Matt Kelleher Cup
wheel thrown, soda fired, red clay
(4.25 x 3.5 inches) CUP 108 $28 SOLD

Matt Kelleher Cup
wheel thrown, soda fired, red clay
(4.25 x 3.75 inches) CUP 109 $28 SOLD

Matt Kelleher Cup
wheel thrown, soda fired, red clay
(4 x 3.75 inches) CUP 110 $28

Bio:

Matt Kelleher is currently a working potter in Madison County, found in the mountains of western North Carolina. In 2005, he made the decision to leave teaching and pursue a career in making through a residency at Penland School of Crafts. Matt has also been artist in residence at Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT (1999-2001) and Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in Shigaraki, Japan (2003). As Matt continues a 15-year investigation of soda-fired tableware, he has broadened his interests to include sculptural vessels, bird inspired forms, and collaborative work with Shoko Teruyama.

Website: http://mattkelleher.com/

Teapots: An Invitational - Matt Kelleher Marshall, NC

Matt Kelleher Teapot $145
soda-fired stoneware (4.5" x 7.5" x 5")

Statement:
Utilitarian objects are accessible and universal.  Their forms are recognizable and their utility makes them inclusive.  I choose to make utilitarian objects in order to use these characteristics as a foundation for my ideas.  This decision invites the viewer to discover my visual and tactile interests.

I develop my form by considering the requirements of utility.  I challenge these assumptions by altering design to communicate gentle and self-confident shapes.  I ofen explore specific design by playing with compositional elements.  Volume, line, center of gravity, edges, spouts, handles, feet, or lids may all be altered in subtle degrees.  I also fine-tune tactile elements such as weight distribution, balance, and thickness to explore the composition of a pot.  I search for a poised form that captures the essence of utility.

Surface is created for contemplation.  Moods are suggested with warmth, fluidity, and translucency.  Atmospheres are veiled with fog and cool mist.  The vessels are covered with slip.  Pouring and layering, I repond intuitvely to the qualities of liquid.  Glaze is applied over the slip to achieve two different results.  On some forms, I choose to pour glaze to mimic the gesture of the slip.  On other forms, I arrange glaze with controlled marks to punctuate the composition.  The majority of my work is fired in a soda kiln; a small number is fired in a wood kiln.  The firing atmosphere dampens the surface, the slip warms up and layering is revealed.  The relationship between the form, the firing, and my hand is complete.

My work is built on consideration.  I combine a subtle balance of geometry in form, a comparison of symmetry and asymmetry in in decoration, and a serene surface.  Softly, the work asks thr the viewers' attention.  Each piece is ready for a conversation and willing to be part of a greater surrounding.

Bio:

Matt Kelleher is currently a working potter in Madison County, found in the mountians of western North Carolina.  In 2005, he made the decision to leave teaching and pursue a career in making through a residency at Penland School of Crafts.  Matt has also been artist in residence at Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT (1999-2001) and Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in Shigaraki, Japan (2003).  As Matt continues a 15-year investigation of soda-fired tableware, he has broadened his interests to include scuptural vessels, bird inspired forms, and collaborative work with Shoko Teruyama. 

Website: http://mattkelleher.com/