Fossil & Form Art Opening on Sunday, March 29 at Petroglyphe Gallery from 3-5 pm

Mar 24, 2015 by Petroglyphe

 

Featuring Edward Lawrence Fosilart Jewelry & Mary Anderson Ceramics

Based on earth elements, Fossil & Form features the jewelry of Edward Lawrence, designed from rare artifacts with interesting fabrications. These unique compositions inspire conversation. This work couples beautifully with the functional ceramic sculpture of local artisan Mary Anderson, whose artistic hands work the potter’s wheel and beyond, to shape clay into fine art. This new exhibit opens at Petroglype Gallery in Mokelumne Hill on Sunday, March 29 from 3-5 pm. Complimentary light appetizers and wine will be served.

Edward Lawrence transforms Fossil Walrus Ivory from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Mammoth Ivory from the Yukon Territory, and other artifacts into something “one can relate to and wear….becoming a part of one’s life”. Edward has been a craftsman all his life. He started as a custom shoe maker in 1971 and his work included leather accessories and beadwork. In fact, many Sierra Foothill residents may still own a pair of Edward’s, gorgeous and comfortable moccasins or sandals.   Joining Edward in his endeavors is his wife, Diana who contributes jewelry designs and fabrications.

Mary Anderson sees her ceramic work as a meditation on the forms of nature.  Her fascination is with the vessel, besides being useful and functional, is a platform for sculptural elements. Plant forms, the geometry and rhythm of leaves or seeds are interpreted as vases, pouring vessels and bowls.  Leaping fish, the fluid body of an octopus, and twisting lizards transform the pot, becoming its shaped neck or reaching handles.

She works in high fire stoneware and porcelain.  The pots are mostly wheel thrown, both for strength and for classical reference to traditional pottery.  They are fired in live flame, either in a gas kiln in her studio, or at Northern Arizona University in various wood firing kilns.  She seeks the resplendent greens of Japanese oribe or Chinese celadon glazes, which enhance her sea and plant work.  The lizards and snakes are saved for wood firing, developing flashing and ash effects.

Mary has pursued study at Cal State Los Angeles, Columbia College, and Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, as well as at numerous workshops in Northern California.