As juror of the 11th biennial State of Clay Exhibition, I was delighted by the range of work to review - utilitarian pottery, decorative vessels, figurative, abstract, and geometric forms, soft organic objects, installations, large scale sculpture, and precise crazy skilled vessels. The abundance of techniques was impressive, everything from raku, saggar firing, wood kiln ash melt, tightly executed C6 to “loosey goosey” C04 glaze drips. The State of Clay exhibition reflects what is being made in the field of ceramics today, and includes techniques and concepts that have been present in our field for years. Perhaps because of the intense challenge of the medium and because many of us work in community studios, we tend to keep styles alive for many years, bringing new ideas to older ones. In a time when we as a culture are moving very quickly, it was good to see work that addressed contemporary issues like the environment, immigration and current politics. I especially enjoyed work that was well conceived, skillfully crafted, and that demonstrated the artist’s focus and willingness to give ample time and space necessary for the creative process to develop and show itself. Thank you for applying to the exhibition – it is so important to have exhibitions where objects are brought together to be viewed in real life. Instagram and Facebook are not an alternative to viewing art in person, they are simply an additional avenue that can extend the reach of viewers. I want you all to know that I appreciate the time and energy that it takes to apply to a show. Again, congratulations, Julia Galloway
