Lines of Desire: Reading Gombrowicz's Fiction with Lacan (Avant-Garde & Modernism Studies)
by Hanjo Berressem
These vase sculpures were created with the intention of becoming more in tune with the nature of coiling clay and the adaptability of this clay forming process. I titled them "Egomorphic" because they mimic the nature of humans. We are pliable and malleable -- transformative beings much like the clay when it is still plastic. We yield to pressures, both internal and external. Additionally, the maker/creater leaves indelible marks on our psyche and our reasoning. Although these marks are permanent -- the form we take is able to withstand distortion. This is the real triumph of the work exhibited here -- it is thin-walled, stretched and strong. Later pieces were paddled and stretched to create ridges and hard edges. Earlier pieces were organically formed with rounded and undulating movement of form.
These coiled vases were created at Linden Pottery and fired at the Corcoran College of Art + Design during the Summer of 2013. The red sculpture clay (Standard Clay 266 and 547) was fired to Cone 6 in an electric kiln.
This vase was glazed with a white terra sigilatta and burnished -- then covered with a clear glaze for final firing. This vase measures 7 inches X 6 inches X 13 inches.
I will take the liberty of borrowing a few words from Polly Adams Sutton about her weaving and basket forms. "... it is a matter of controlling the tension where I see the potential for a good curve. It is important to constantly assess the overall shape so there is balance in the asymmetry." Form in its essence "is about the evolution of a shape that is not preconceived."
This vase was glazed in chartreuse and measures 7 inches X 6 inches by 14 inches.
This organic sculpture is a usable vase created to explore the possibilities of coiling, manipulation and adaptation. Made using Standard Clay's 547 and 266 mixed at a 50/50 ratio; this increases the malleability, as well as its strength. The title of the glaze is Green Tea and does a phenomenal job of reflecting differing shades of green. This vase measures 7inches X 6 inches X 15 inches.
Van Gogh Form
This form was inspired by the yellow vase painted repeatedly by Vincent Van Gogh in 1890 during his stay at Saint-Rémy. This coiled vase was created at Linden Pottery and fired at the Corcoran College of Art + Design. The mixed red stoneware clay (Standard Clay 266 and 547) was fired to Cone 6 in an electric kiln and glazed with a matte yellow to accentuate the maker’s marks. (Dimensions 5” X 6.25” X 9.75”)
Climber’s Form
This coiled built vase was paddled to create ledges for glaze accumulation. The handles are reminiscent of rock holds that climbers use to ascend a crevice. This work was inspired by the artist's rock climbs in Great Falls Park along the Potomac River. (Shino glaze, high fire stoneware clay, Cone 10) (Dimensions 8” X 7” X 18.5”)
