Baltimore Clayworks is presenting an exceptional winter exhibition – Teapots IX: Steeped in Creativity & Craftsmanship – that runs from Jan. 11 through Feb. 26 in Baltimore, Md. The exhibition showcases the extraordinary range of artistry for this ancient vessel form.
Mary Cloonan, curator of exhibitions at Baltimore Clayworks, said, “Teapots are a traditional vessel and a true challenge for the ceramic artist, and versions of teapots exist in cultures all over the world. The vessel has very basic components: body, spout, handle and lid. However, there are complex ways they can be shaped and arranged. Artists play with ratios, giving attitude by adjusting the spout or handle that provides personality. The anthropomorphic form of a teapot implies a cozy companion in your kitchen. Beyond the aesthetics, a teapot should function well – no drips, a secure lid, strong handle and proper volume.”
According to Cloonan, teapots are evocative, and they imply hearth and home, and cozy days sipping hot elixirs poured from an elegant vessel. “They are also a complex challenge for the artist, balancing form and function. Each element compliments the other like a symphony of shape, volume and ergonomics.”
Cloonan said visitors to Baltimore Clayworks’ gallery will see the myriad of possibilities in the maker’s style and design, in the various ways they were created, either on the potter’s wheel or hand-built with care. “Many of the artists have added thoughtful engineering, such as loops to hook your steeping basket or a built-in sieve to keep the leaves out of your cup,” explained Cloonan. “Much like people, each teapot has their personality, most offer hospitality, but some just want to sit there and look pretty.”
Cloonan noted that just like the tea industry, ceramic artists hone and practice their craft – sourcing the right material, perfecting the right blend of flavors (taste or visual), to fashion a unique experience of beauty.
'The Range of Pots One Can Create Is Nearly Endless'
Teapots IX: Steeped in Creativity & Craftsmanship was juried and curated by Jen Allen, professional studio artist and ceramic educator.
“I am honored to be invited to jury this year's Baltimore Clayworks Teapot exhibition,” said Allen. “Tea is a daily part of my family life, and we have a small collection of teapots that are used often – from English Breakfast tea in a brilliant, colorful Sarah Jaeger porcelain teapot, to pu-erh served in a polished, traditional Yixing teapot. The range of pots one can create is nearly endless, an ancient artform that is both beautiful and utilitarian, giving it a unique and honored place in the homes of billions of people.”
Cloonan added, “A delightful tea deserves to be celebrated in a hand-crafted vessel created to elevate the senses.”
Exhibiting artists at “Teapots IX” include: Elka Adomowicz, Dyan Akkouche, Jen Allen, Kait Arndt, Osa Atoe, Posey Bacopoulos, Hayne Bayless, Anne Bowen, Samantha Breigel, Wes Brown, Timothy Carr, Horacio Casillas, Cynthia Deitch, Beverly Fetterman, Heidi Frank, Yoshi Fujii, Lisa Guiliani, Eunkyung Han, Jason Hess, Steve Hilton, Mike Jabbur, Catherine Joanny, Shika Joshi, Huey Hyuk Lee, Anne Maraviglia, Taylor Mezo, Michael Poness, Constance Rankin, David Smith, Amy Song, T.R. Steiner, and Mike Tavares, Leathia West and Jean Wrathal.
The Baltimore Clayworks teapots exhibition is free and open to the public, and it includes an artist reception on Feb. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Baltimore Clayworks is a nonprofit organization originally founded by nine artists in 1980. Now, more than 40 years later, their mission is to develop, sustain, and promote an artist-centered community that provides outstanding educational, residency, and collaborative programs in the ceramic arts.
To learn more about Baltimore Clayworks, visit BaltimoreClayworks.org.
Plan to Attend or Participate in the
World Tea Conference + Expo, March 21-23, 2022
To learn about other key trends, issues and hot topics within the global tea community, plan to attend the World Tea Conference + Expo, March 21-23, 2022, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The event will be co-located with Bar & Restaurant Expo, creating unique opportunities and synergy. Visit WorldTeaExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the World Tea Conference + Expo, co-located with Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
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