"REJAS del PARAISO"

The subject of the next several pages will be ceramics. The enthusiasm I have for this medium is difficult for me to explain, but I have intellectually whittled it down to the simplicity of life's fundamentals; Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. I presume it is the elementary composition I am innately attracted to in working with this medium. I stated more reasonings elsewhere in this document, in "Why Clay?"; but briefly, the clay product offers richness with its beauty and functionality which expresses the spiritual and intimately compliments daily life. The possibility of fantasy forms, enduring images in a variety of enduring sizes, is the wonderland an artist can explore. I present this series called "Los Platones de Rejas del Paraiso", in respect for the good artisano working spirits and participation fortune proffered me while a guest artist in Old Mexico. When there I researched their talavera techniques and painting. I found this to be a boundless fine art form, designing for a specific function or not, there is always room for another picture on a different shape, or a different picture to be painted on the same shape. It is no wonder so many artists devote their time in production. The very process relies on contented creativity. I hope you enjoy this work and the little tour of locations and people. For the good sake of continuing interest, I also wish you be blessed with opportunity to go there yourself, and experience first-hand the thrill of this popular art industry.

First I will introduce you to my hosts during the last studio visit, in 1998; Sr. and Senora Pablo Maurer of Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. It was with their family hospitality, knowledge and encouragement that I was able to gain a grip on the circumstances to work with local ceramics producers. Although my efforts profited entirely design originals, the notebooks full of inspiration I transcribed after my return to the United States and it has taken me several years of patient work. What these artists have in common are their materials and the tendencies to push toward good idea craft with personalized forms, line, and color. Whether the content is evolved as a contemporary art work or household ornament makes little difference to the inventing spirit. Seasoned ceramic collectors know when it has been a good day for the potter, painter, sculptor; it shows in the results. As an artist or appreciator, it is a perceptible fact that the brush strokes sing and the image delivers their message through art; and that speaks volumes of poetry.

Webmaster. LE. 02/24/05.

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