Forces of Nature

Ceramic artists throughout history have become masters of all four elements—creating clay from a mixture of earth and water to shape their work, drying it in air, and hardening it in fire. Throughout this process, the artist decides which aspects of the work will be tightly controlled, and when the elements can step in to leave nature’s mark. This exhibition traces the historical, stylistic, and conceptual origins of work that either embraces or refuses the element of chance in ceramics, looking at modern and contemporary work made in Western North Carolina.

The ceramics in this exhibition are all drawn from the robust collection of Andrew and Hathia Hayes, who have been collecting important regional pottery and sculpture for decades. Through their close relationships with artists, they have brought together works that show not only the different aesthetics seen in the region, but also a picture of the ceramics community. Regional artists including Cynthia Bringle, Donna Craven, Mark Hewitt, Fred Johnston, Ben Owen III, and Norm Schulman will be on view, demonstrating the many different approaches to ceramics in this region.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Amelia Brown, Assistant Curator. It would not be possible without generous loans from Andrew and Hathia Hayes, and sponsorship from the Judy Appleton Memorial Fund.