JOURNEY of the CASUALLY CURIOUS to the DEDICATED MAKER
Curated by Frank McGuirk
Sponsored by Frank McGuirk & Doug Casebeer
On display at the CCC Gallery
October 7th - November 4th, 2022
First Friday Opening Reception
October 7th | 6-8PM
Closing Reception
November 4th | 5-8PM
Featuring the work of Claire Green, Denise Moss, Gail Mathieson, Frank McGuirk, & Rossi Spong, Journey of the Casually Curious showcases the relationship between a curious student and an engaged instructor.
Each student has prepared pieces derivative of the various projects and techniques introduced during the class including forms, brushwork, carving, texturing, and glazing. The relatedness of these styles and shaping of the work creates a subtle story about the artistic influence from teacher to student. Each of these students has demonstrated significant growth over recent years and this exhibition will be testimony to that.
Group Artist Statement
The core concept for the exhibition is the key role of mentorship in the development of the knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to become a successful potter. The dedicated makers in this exhibition honed their pottery skills while participating in classes at the Carbondale Clay Center with the help and guidance of long-time potter and teacher, Frank McGuirk. Frank was inspired to put together a “Mentorship Exhibit” after seeing the growth and development in the skills of his students along with the influence of his work and aesthetic on theirs. In addition, Frank wanted to honor and recognize the role his mentors have played in his development and work. Frank’s mentors have included important and internationally recognized ceramic artists over several decades, notably Doug Casebeer, sensei Takashi Nakazto, and Randy Johnston.
Each of the participants in this exhibition with the help and guidance of their mentors has followed their own path to this exhibit and the supportive Carbondale Clay Center community. We hope the development of our clay work inspires other “curious potters” to become “dedicated makers” as well.
The Artists
Claire Green
Claire is a retired attorney and currently rents studio space at CCC and is on the board. Claire has solid making skills in most functional pottery forms and is exploring clay sculptural pieces.
Gail Mathieson
Gail is an experienced Family Nurse Practitioner and a newly graduated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Gail has grown her skill in making many of the “standard” ceramic forms (e.g. vases, assembled functional pieces, and ceremonial vessels) She is unafraid to try new and difficult work.
Denise Moss
Denise is a college Composition and Literature Professor. Denise has grown rapidly as a maker and has a special eye for form. She is finding her own “voice’ as a potter.
Rossi Spong
Rossi is a Business Operations Consultant for entrepreneurs. Rossi is very dedicated to pushing her skill set forward and in addition to making very nice forms she has excelled at brushwork and graphic treatment on her pots.
Frank McGuirk
Frank has been practicing ceramics since the 1970s, and a professional potter for more than 12 years. His primary career was as a PhD Psychologist and Mental Health Researcher. Frank has a home-based ceramics studio and teaches adult classes at the Carbondale Clay Center. He has participated in many exhibitions over the years and shows his pottery in galleries and art stores.
