Gallery Opening: WILD CLAY

WILD CLAY
Curated by John Reinking and Marg Diaz
On view: Mar 21 – Apr 18 (CLOSED MARCH 28 FOR AN EVENT)
Opening: Sat, Mar 21 | 3-5pm

Exhibition statement:

“Wild clay” refers to clay that is not commercially available, but instead has been personally sourced from the earth. It must be discovered, dug, used in its raw state – or sometimes, refined – and then tested. Unlike commercially processed clay, wild clay enables the maker to tap into the unique characteristics of a specific place — its colors, textures, and material properties — revealing the distinct identity of the local landscape.

Clay is intrinsically linked to anthropology: we understand much about societies of the past through their use of clay. Local “wild” clay offers discovery of local history, ecology, geology, science, and a contemporary view of art. In most cases local wild clay is infused with such color and character incomparable to commercial clay.

Working with wild clay fosters a deeper connection to the long lineage of makers who, for thousands of years, shaped and reshaped their worlds through this material. It offers a way to step outside the relentless cycle of consumerism and mass production, reminding us that art and ecology are intertwined and fostering awareness of our materials, where they come from, and our impact on the land.