Ceramic Annual of America

Ceramics Annual of America is an exciting opportunity to explore contemporary ceramic artists. Exhibitions are presented on behalf of educators, curators, and artists who want to invest in the future of ceramic arts by focusing on work by current artists. The event is held at San Francisco’s own Fort Mason Center, a large historic space extending into the bay. I visited in early October during fleet week on a beautifully clear day near the Presidio. Blue Angels soared over the bay in preparation for their afternoon performance. It was truly a spectacular day to be outside on the water. Cost was ten dollars for regular admission and free admission for art and ceramic students. Price included a prize raffle, free demonstration, and artist discussion. San Francisco State University instructors and students were also in attendance including David Kuraoka, Jeff Downing, Steve Allan and Paula Moran. Kuraoka took best in show for his brilliant forms and vibrant contrasting colors.

Above: Steve Allen-Acetylene

David Kuraoka- Red Line Mango

Jeff Downing - The Keeper

Wandering through the cubicles housing each artist work produces a certain dream-like state. Each space projects a different presence, personality, emotion, and feeling. All of which coalesce into a surreal experience. Memories, history, and creativity all coexist under one roof.

Rodrigo Lara - Transformation

One artists showing at Fort Mason, Rodrigo Lara created weightless human figures adored with gasmasks. Each figure suspended or in some helpless contorted position. The Mexican artist made a bold statement about current social and political conditions in the Mexico, in regard to drug cartel influence over the government and citizen daily lives.

Zhenhua Jin - Imperishable Vitality

One of the most impressive forms I witnessed at the show was by a Chinese artist, Zhenhua Jin. Smooth forms were waffer thin, with complex curves, folds, and distortions executed in a most elegant fashion.

Left: Sized 2 - Ryan Hurst

Right:Evil Necessity- Ryan Hurst

Ryan Hurst’s pottery collection consisted of neo-Roman style urns and vases with American history painted onto the surface with dark under glaze. American heritage are a central theme to Hurst’s forms, while militarist iconography is also prevalent.

Is there a Problem Captain? Jon Gariepy

Another artist that received merit at the show was Jon Gariepy. Chunky robust slabs of clay fitted together help create sunken carrier ships. Gariepy, who grew up on docks throughout his life, is inspired by sea fairing vessels. Subjects include tugboats, fishing ships, sailboats and nostalgic American automobiles.

Keeper, by Joe Kowalczyk was a piece that brought me back to my childhood. This wall mounted fantasy character reminds me of child fiction creature or one of my favorite childhood stories, Where the Wild Things Are. The Keeper has an authoritative presence with crossed arms and poignant angular expression. The piece also has a trophy like quality, with the figure missing the lower extremities. Other wall mounted pieces by Joe consist of a female snowy warrior, with spear and shield: Never Again: to liberate from fear. One of my personal favorites and one, Im sure, all of us can relate to is, Ha Ha I Got Ya! This wall mounted cartoon-inspired sculptural figure is taking off a ghoulish mask. At first glance the bleak figure is cold, spooky, and emotionless but satirical and humorous at the same time. This piece is reminiscent of one of my first Halloween experiences as a child, growing up with friends and siblings who I enjoyed frightening one another.

Left: Never Again: liberate from fear

Right: The Keeper

Bottom: Ha Ha.. I Got Ya