Labor and Love in Clay

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Mud, Sweat, and Tears, a show put on by the ceramics guild here at Sacramento State, ran in the Witt gallery from February 6-9. I am lucky enough to be a club member, and to have had three of my artworks on display during the exhibition. Being a member of the ceramics guild is inspirational and enjoyable. I adore getting to see what artists my peers are discussing, and being responsible for running events like the wood fire schedule and facilitating a ceramics sale at the end of the semester. 

Reception crowd at Mud, Sweat, and Tears

The reception for the show was held on Thursday, February 8 and unified our club to enjoy our work displayed side by side. I often see my peers engaging in their work during the week, but seldom get to see the finished product on display. The show bore a display of various techniques, styles, and functions. Vessels, wall-hanging pieces, and sculptures filled the gallery space with awe, variety, and wonder.

House for Spiders by student Mars Starling

In the center of the room stood A House for Spiders, a surrealist architectural ceramic structure by the talented Mars Starling. I am attracted to this piece as a sculpture in the round. I travel around the piece searching into it’s nooks and crannies and filling my head with possibilities for the spaces it leaves open. I imagine this piece in an animal habitat, like a fish tank, providing hiding spaces for residents to fill. 

3 artworks: American River, Brick House, Lighthouse by student Rachel Cudmore

Another set of work featured in the show was my own. I exhibited 3 of my sculptures inspired by houses, home, and architecture. My house sculptures are inspired by my love for visiting open-house showings with my mother, and emulate the world I wish to live in. To be a part of this show was short, but sweet. I am inspired to curate a student show for an upcoming semester here at the Witt gallery.

Comments

  1. Kristiina ThompsonMarch 19, 2024 at 8:18 PM

    Hi Rachel,
    Thank you for sharing about this show! I have heard of the Sac State ceramics guild, but I suppose I am in the wrong academic circle to be in the loop about ceramics shows. After reading this article, I am definitely convinced that I need to attend a ceramics guild event! Also, can I just say how much I love the title of the show? It's so clever! I have seen House for Spiders in the Else Gallery, and it is definitely a very tactile piece that draws you in. Also, I really love your three house sculptures! The addition of plants in the Brick House creates a really exciting and captivating piece.

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  2. Neelab SidiqiMarch 21, 2024 at 1:24 PM

    HI Rachel! Wow, I must say that this was really enjoyable to read and see ceramic pieces that I wished I was able to see in person!! I have taken a ceramics class and it definitely is not easy, so it is so exciting to read your thoughts about certain works and obviously getting to see your works in your own blog post. How cool is that! I applaud you for sharing this blog with us and showcasing some of your own work!

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  3. Vianne DMarch 24, 2024 at 10:21 AM

    Hi Rachel. I went to this show when it was up and I loved your ceramic houses! Your pieces were my favorite in the show. I love how you described a House for Spiders though, you have a way with words.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bailey MoonMarch 26, 2024 at 8:28 PM

    I loved reading about your experience of this show! I had not previously known about the ceramics guild but it sounds like an enriching experience and dynamic community. The show seems so fun and engaging. I also liked how you are personally part of the club which made reading your post seem like we, as readers, were getting a more inside look at the event.

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  5. ElaineApril 1, 2024 at 12:38 PM

    It's no surprise that you inspired lots of comments, Rachel. Ceramics has always had a wonderful esprit de corps, unlike any other Art Department student group. I want a sculpture based on my house!

    ReplyDelete

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