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: Ben Bates - Libertyville, IL

Ben Bates Tea Cup reduction fired stoneware
(4.75 x 3.75 inches) CUP 008 $60

Statement:
I am interested in the functional format as a realm of exploration, but I strive for my pieces to transcend their utilitarian boundaries and function as sculptural elements.  I use the ideals of the vessel to clarify design and explore form as it relates to space.

Ben Bates Tea Cup reduction fired stoneware
(4.75 x 5 inches) CUP 009 $60

I am interested in the dualities of this medium.  I want to manipulate the plasticity of the material and accentuate its softness to heighten the viewer's awareness of the forms interior volume.

Ben Bates Tea Cup soda fired stoneware
(4.75 x 3.75 inches) CUP 010 $60 SOLD

My hope is to make pieces that are able to communicate feelings and ideas without recalling specific objects.  I intend for these compositions to be mysterious and open-ended enough to evoke multiple interpretations.

Ben Bates Tea Cup wood-fired porcelain
(4.5 x 4.5 inches) CUP 011 $60 SOLD

Bio:
Ben Bates, a resident of Libertyville, IL, was born and raised in Southern California, earned his BFA at Kansas City Art Institute (1995) and his MFA at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2000).  After graduate school Ben established himself as the head Resident Ceramic Artist at Crabtree Farm, a living museum in Lake Bluff, Illinois (1998 - 2003).  He was also the Lead Consultant for the construction of the Sterling Hall Ceramics Center (1999 - 2001) and Art Department Chair at Woodlands Academy (2003 - 2005) both in Lake Forest, IL.

Ben Bates Tea Cup reduction fired stoneware
(4.25 x 4 inches) CUP 012 $60

His work has been featured in Feats of Clay, NCECA Clay National, Strictly Functional, 30 x 5 at AKAR Gallery, History in the Making, Lillstreet International, American Studio Ceramics, George Ohr Challenge, Platters and Pourers, Burnt, Yunomi Invitational, Linearity and as a solo Featured Artist at AKAR Gallery.  Ben was Personal Studio Assistant to Ken Ferguson (1993 - 1995) and to Ruth Duckworth (2004).  He is currently a Ceramics Studio Artist, Ceramics Instructor and Ceramics Studio Technician at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL.

Website: http://benbatesceramics.wordpress.com

Thrown Altered: Vessels Out of Round - Opening Night Photos

 

David Bolton - Guest Curator

 David Bolton, Head of the Ceramics Department at the College of Lake County guest curated Thrown Altered: Vessels Out of Round. 

"My intention with this exhibition is to expose students and the public to great ceramic art and to make them aware of more possibilities with clay and the wheel.  The artists in this show have transcended the process to create their individual visions in clay"

The 14 invited ceramicists from around the country and one from Canada were selected for the way they explore throwing and altering their work.

Ben Bates - Invited Artist

Two local artists in the show were able to attend the opening:  Ben Bates - Libertyville, IL and Doug Jeppesen - Sugar Grove, IL

Doug Jeppesen - Invited Artist

Smooth vibraphone sounds were provided by the Rick Embach and Jim Seidel Duo.


Rick Embach and Jim Seidel Duo



Work by Edward Eberle: White Canyon, 2008 porcelain

 

Work by Jeff Oestreich: Thrown and Faceted
Triangular and Square Bowl, 2011 soda fired

Jane Brandt and Dean of Libraries Connie Bakker
enjoying the opening

Work by Ben Bates: Lotus Platter, 2009 stoneware
Admired by Shu-Hei Hwang, Feng-Hua Cheng
and Corrine Buckley-Kukulski

Teapots: An Invitational - Ben Bates Libertyville, IL

Ben Bates Teapot $175
soda fired porcelain (8" x 8" x 7")

Statement:

I am interested in the functional format as a realm of exploration, but I strive for my pieces to transcend their utilitarian boundaries and function as sculptural elements.  I use the ideals of the vessel to clarify design and explore form as it relates to space.  To me working in clay is more about composition, proportion and surface than it is about efficiency of use.

The dualities of this medium continually fascinate me.  In my process I play with the plasticity of the material and its ability to capture spontaneous movement in form and surface.  I then contrast it by introducing hard edges and lines that interrupt and accentuate the flow of that softness.  I also want to skin of my pieces to heighten the viewer's awareness of the interior volume and function as a canvas for color and decoration. 

My hope is to make pieces that are able to communicate feelings and ideas without recalling specific objects.  I intend for these compositions to be mysterious and open-ended enough to evoke multiple interpretations.

Bio:

Ben Bates, a resident of Libertyville, IL, was born and raised in Southern California, earned his BFA at Kansas City Art Institute (1995) and his MFA at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2000).  After graduate school Ben established himself as the head Resident Ceramic Artist at Crabtree Farm - a living museum in Lake Bluff Illinois (1998 - 2003).  He was also the Lead Consultant for the construction of the Sterling Hall Ceramics Center (1999-2001) and Art Department Chair at Woodlands Academy (2003 - 2005) both in Lake Forest, IL.  His work has been featured in Feats of Clay, NCECA Clay National, Strictly Functional, 30 x 5 Akar Gallery, History in the Making II and III, Lilllstreet International, American Studio Ceramics, George Ohr Challenge, Platters and Pourers, Linearity and a solo show Featured Artist at AKAR gallery.  Ben was Personal Studio Assistant to Ken Ferguson (1993 - 1995) and to Ruth Duckworth (2004).  He is currently a Ceramics Studio Artist, Ceramics Instructor and Ceramics Studio Technician at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL.

Members Exhibition 2011 - More from the Show

Cheri Stewart Roses in Winter bead weaving $440

David Bolton Checkered Pleat wood-fired porcelain $800

Laura Hedien Standing Watch photography $325



Carole Floate Midnight Sky wood $500



Diana M. Wolfe Galena Back When oil $450

Bonnielynn Brankey Geraniums watercolor $350

Carol Keene Rose No. 5 oil on panel $400



Ben Bates Triangle Vase wood-fired stoneware $200 (left)
Corinne Buckley-Kukulski Compote porcelain $60 (right)




Ryszarda Edens Mill Creek II oil $275



Robert G. Andrus
Bud wood $600



The Show continues until February 20.

New Gallery Show: CLC Art Faculty Exhibition

Ceramics

Ben Bates, XXX Biscuit Box, 2008 (clay & high temperature wire) $500

David W. Bolton, Riveted Pitcher and Cups, 2009 (stoneware) $300


Scott Ziegler, Perception Strikes Again, 2009 (porcelain) $1,600

The CLC Art Faculty Exhibition opened on Friday November 6, 2009. We had quite the crowd with 250 in attendance. All facets of the Art Program at CLC are represented with 26 faculty members participating. The show runs through December 13, 2009.