In conjunction with the town of Hillsborough’s initiative for addressing climate change, the gallery’s show features artworks celebrating the earth.
“Earth Elements, the title of our show,” says potter Garry Childs, “is also a great description of what pottery is made from. I blend three different clays and sand together to make what Potters call a “clay body” that I form my pots with. The glazes are made from various minerals and clays that come from sources all over the world. When you pick up a piece of pottery you truly have the earth in your hands. All of my work is formed on a potter’s wheel from terra-cotta clay. When the clay has stiffened up enough to handle but is not completely dry I apply glazes to my pots, mostly by spraying. I then carve through the glaze into the still damp clay to achieve the various patterns seen on my work. When completely dry the pots are fired in a gas kiln to a little over 2,100 degrees.” Childs creates planters in several sizes for growing herbs and flowers. They are suitable for use both indoors and outside in moderate climates such as ours.
Glass artist, Mark Kinsella finds himself drawn to the ancient elements—earth, water, air, and fire. “They shape our existence and I seek to capture their essence, to weave their stories into my glass. For earth, the solid foundation beneath our feet, I use ambers and ecru, colors of the earth, to suggest rugged landscapes, echoing the contours of mountains, valleys, and ancient rock formations. For water, fluidity and reflection, blues and greens suggest the colors of the ocean and the play of light on water’s surface, the shimmering depths. For air, transparency and breath, blues and wispy whites capture the intangible, the rustle of leaves, and the sigh of a breeze. For fire, the alchemical dance of transformation, yellows, reds, and orange reflect the colors of flames, of fire as both creator and destroyer. In this show, Earth Elements, my glass invites you to pause and reconnect with the primal forces of the earth that shape our lives.”
Acrylic painter, Nancy Smith, interprets the title Earth Elements from the perspective of Native American spirituality. “We are of the Earth and are related to all beings of Nature. Our fate is intimately tied to the fate of the planet.” In her works for the show, Nancy wants to remind people of the beauty and delicacy of the Earth and cycles of nature. She hopes that remembering to acknowledge Earth Elements of water, air, land, plants, and animals will motivate us to care more deeply for ourselves and our world.
About the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts
The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is owned and operated by 21 local artists and represents these established artists exhibiting contemporary fine art and fine craft. The Gallery's offerings include painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, photomontage, jewelry, glass, metals, encaustic, enamel, and wood. 121 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Phone: (919) 732-5001. The gallery is open 10am-6pm Monday - Saturday, and 12pm-4pm on Sunday. More information can be found on the HGA website: http://www.HillsboroughGallery.com