Exhibit opening Friday, October 30th
Reception and “Meet the Artist”, Saturday November 14th 1pm-3pm The TAUNY Center 53 Main Street Canton, NY.
This most recent Spotlight Gallery Exhibit introduces the work of Bob Langston to TAUNY and Canton. His pottery demonstrates his technical expertise in “Naked” Raku, pit-firing, horsehair and feathers, crackle glaze and adding sea glass and glass frits in clay. He also combines woven basketry details with some of his pottery.
Artist’s Statement
“I make pots because clay is cheaper than therapy and doesn’t talk back…though the stuff does have a mind of its own! Most pieces are shaped on the wheel with equal parts intention and negotiation. Thus, I work with the oldest things I know—earth, water, fire—and a little stubbornness. The earth gives the clay, the water lets it move, and the fire decides if I did my job right (or humbles me when I didn’t).
I like surfaces that look like they’ve lived a little…glaze that pools, breaks and occasionally reveals the body beneath…pieces that are a little off-center, a little asymmetrical, have a rough exterior…pieces that might have a little crack or at least look like they do…pieces that look a little human…something far away from perfect—because perfect is boring and also impossible before coffee. My pieces carry fingerprints, small wobbles, and the occasional “happy accident,” which is a polite way of saying, there are stories in my work...or…I forgot something at some point…or…the stubbornness of the clay had its way with me.
I’m not really drawn to the function of pottery, as most people might understand that word because something beautiful to the touch or to simply look at, has a function too. A “good” piece of pottery, however you understand that word, can slow you down for a second, ask to be noticed, maybe even admired before it gets put to work. If a pot feels good in your hands, earns a place at your table, or on your mantle or on your wall…if it makes you smile on an ordinary day, then it’s doing exactly what it was made to do. And honestly, that’s all I’m aiming for.”
