emerging artist: Sarah Hahn

Artist Statement
Sarah Hahn
My work is a reflection
of past cultures, distorted by a mirror of aged antiquity, seen through a haze
of modern neon lights.  In this blurred reflection appear the remnants of
shared beliefs, fears, joys, mistakes, angers, atrocities, and hopes.  Is
it possible that in thousands of years of civilization, the motives, drives,
and emotions behind human behavior have remained the same; that every step
forward is just a reinterpretation of forgotten pathways?
Currently this
reflection is manifested in the appropriation of western iconic classical
sculptures.  In these appropriated sculptures, the ancient god, hero, or
saint is replaced by a contemporary celebrity, politician, or sports
figure.  This is done in order to draw a parallel between the past and
present cultures, and to open a dialogue on the function of these figures
within each society. Throughout time these ancient figures, given form by a
sculptor’s hand, represented societal virtues.  The figures have
functioned differently within each culture, spanning from the Greeks, to the
Romans, from the popes, and up to the present.  When first created, they
were imbued with meaning, carefully thought out and executed in order to
illustrate the intended function.  Unfortunately, for most their original
meaning is lost. All that remains is a hunk of marble chiseled in the form of a
strong muscular male form or a seductive female figure.  The same fate
awaits our current icons. 
By appropriating the
classical sculptures and substituting contemporary figures I am seeking to
perpetuate the aura of the original artwork.  In doing so I am making the names of the forgotten gods,
saints, and heroes known, the ancient myths and scriptures remembered, and
immortalizing current celebrities. 

emerging artist: Mitch Iburg

Signing my name –
a circle drawn in wet clay
Who is it that speaks
of a thousand years?
Surely I have seen nothing close
Hushed by the gusting wind
my voice is carried away
like a leaf now half buried
in the clay bed
 
 

 

Applications open for Earth and Fire International Ceramic Fair

Earth & Fire is one of the country’s premiere ceramic events. For three days in June, over a hundred potters from across the UK and Europe come to Nottinghamshire to sell direct to the public from outdoor market stalls in the ancient abbey ruins and grounds.

The event attracts collectors, gallery owners, enthusiasts and the general public alike, who flock to Rufford to meet and talk to the potters selling everything from garden planters and sculptures, to bowls, pie dishes, teapots, mugs, plates and egg cups.

Truly a celebration of clay in all its forms, Earth and Fire also includes a programme of free demonstrations and talks, trade stands selling all things ceramic, and campus stands showcasing the next generation of potters.

Applications will open online for potential exhibitors until November 22nd

http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/enjoying/artsandculture/arts/earth-and-fire/#.Um6LstVIzPQ.facebook