Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Introducing Cathy Broski

"I enjoy the story and form that grow together as each piece evolves. Creating a connection to my work for the viewer is important to me."


"Play Ball"
The artist found inspiration for this playful pose from her lovable dog, Porter. The natural coloring of the dog is achieved by applying a glaze then wiping the highlights of the texture to leave behind glaze that has a flashing quality. The dog is affixed to the ball with the aide of a steel rod. The ball is filled with sand to create a stable sculpture.
Dimensions: 13.0in H x 9.0in W x 5.0in D
$500


"House of Poppies"
The artist found inspiration for this playful pose from her lovable dog, Porter. The natural coloring of the dog is achieved by applying a glaze then wiping the highlights of the texture to leave behind glaze that has a flashing quality. Each is fired multiple times and is made from stoneware clay.
Dimensions: 16.5in H x 7.0in W x 7.0in D
$650


"Let's Play!"
The artist found inspiration for this playful pose from her lovable dog, Porter. The natural coloring of the dog is achieved by applying a glaze then wiping the highlights of the texture to leave behind glaze that has a flashing quality. The bird is fired separately and attached with wire.
Dimensions: 6.0in H x 6.0in W x 12.0in D
$300


"Heart in Hand"
Each unique hand made sculpture is carved individually from stoneware clay. The surface is achieved by wiping off the high points to leave the glaze in the carved lines. This evokes a found object feel the artist strives for. The heart is fired separate and attached after firing. Each piece is unique, and will vary slightly from that shown. Hearts symbolize the love felt or given.
Dimensions: 4.0in H x 3.0in W x 4.0in L
$100


"Bird in Hand"
Each unique hand made sculpture is carved individually from stoneware clay. The surface is achieved by wiping off the high points to leave the glaze in the carved lines. This evokes a found object feel the artist strives for. The bird is fired separate and is unattached. Each piece is unique, and will vary slightly from that shown. Birds symbolize our inner voice or spirit.
Dimensions: 4.0in H x 3.0in W x 4.0in L
$100


"Safe Landing"
Each unique hand made sculpture is carved individually from stoneware clay. The surface is achieved by wiping off the high points to leave the glaze in the carved lines. This evokes a found object feel the artist strives for. The birds are fired separately and attached after firing. Each piece is unique, and will vary slightly from that shown. Birds symbolize our inner voice or spirit.
Dimensions: 8.0in H x 3.0in W x 3.0in L
$100

Ceramic artist Cathy Broski's work is steeped in archetypal and personal symbolism. Figures, houses, boats and pottery are all vessels to contain things we hold dear, and sometimes those things we would cast off. Cathy chose these forms to work with because they have several levels of meaning she finds intriguing to explore. She loves found objects, because of their wear and marks of their journeys. This is the feel Cathy tries to achieve on her surfaces by using a layering technique.

Cathy begins each piece on the potters wheel or with slabs. The pieces grow with the application of coils or additional slabs. When each piece is completed, She carves or textures the surface. The base colors of terra sigilattas and slips are applied and fired. Once the first firing is complete, Cathy applies and wipes off a combination of stains and glazes, then fires again to cone 6. This process is repeated until the desired effect is achieved.

Since receiving her BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1990, Cathy has worked in the ceramics field in many capacities. Presently she is represented by numerous galleries, teaches several pottery classes, instructs workshops, sells work at art fairs, and has been published in several ceramic periodicals. In 2000, she and her husband built a studio right outside their backdoor. And in 2007 they completed a 40 cu ft gas car kiln.

For more information, or to see Cathy's work, visit Gallery Fifty at the Grand Traverse Commons or call 231-932-0775.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Carolyn Hudson: Attention to Detail


Carolyn Hudson: Attention to Detail
August 6 - September 30, 2010

Carolyn Hudson draws her inspiration from the local landscape and wildlife and she is best known for her beach stone drawings and dog portraits. She started her career working primarily with graphite, but slowly added colored pencil to her repertoire and has been working strictly with that medium for the past twenty-five years. She has recently added the silver-point drawing to the mix which has the feel of her old roots in graphite. Hudson is a signature member of the Colored Pencil Society of America and received her bachelor of art degree from Waynesburg University.

The public is invited to an opening reception at the Grand Traverse Commons location on Friday, August 6 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.; 231-932-0775. Can't make it to the show? Explore our virtual exhibition at www.galleryfifty.com after the opening.