Springfield Art Museum to present Wood-Fired ceramics exhibit

(From the Springfield Art Museum)

The Springfield Art Museum is pleased to present its final special exhibition of 2016, "The Wood-Fired Kiln: A Catalyst for Collaboration" on Friday, November 4th with a reception at 5:30 PM. Wood-Fired Kiln features the work of seven well known local, regional, national and international ceramicists whose work incorporates, to varying degrees, wood-firing techniques and aesthetics: Kenneth Baskin, Keith Ekstam, Rick Hirsch, Nina Hole, Jeff Johnston, Scott Meyer, and Priscilla Mouritzen. This exhibit focuses specifically on work that has been created using a wood-fire kiln and will investigate the character and dynamic of the collaborations that have resulted from this very communal and social process.

Wood firing, by its very nature engenders a sense of community and has re-emerged as a pedagogy of tremendous importance in ceramics, its influence widening well past the immediate sphere of the skilled artists for whom it is central. The discipline now holds extended influence over a wide variety of artists who occasionally approach the discipline to fulfill their disparate creative aims. While filling the kiln, stoking the fire, and monitoring the flames over the course of many days, participating artists talk about their work, share ideas, and discuss opportunities. The collaborative nature of the firing process often serves as a catalyst for future artistic endeavors. The majority of the artists represented here have fired together, published together, exhibited together, held panel discussions, seminars, workshops, and residencies together.

Museum Director Nick Nelson notes, “The artists represented in this exhibition span the globe, from right here in southwest Missouri, to as far away as Denmark. Individually, they are incorporating disparate materials. The objects run the gamut from functional to sculptural. On the surface, these artists and objects may not seem like they belong together, but they’ve all been subjected to this crucible-like experience. What emerges from the kiln is unified by the process; there is a sense of warmth and community in what has been created. I cannot think of a better message to impart during this particularly divisive time in our history.” This exhibit includes a free gallery guide, multimedia of a wood-firing in process, and free public programs including a themed Family Day and an artist panel.