Ceramics: Contemporary Artists Working in Clay

Singleton, founder of the online gallery Buy Some Damn Art, turns her curatorial eye to contemporary ceramics in this fresh and vibrant showcase of 45 artists actively working in clay today. The foreword, written by artist and art blogger Danielle Krysa, provides a primer on the world of ceramics, touching upon the art-versus-craft debate and explaining why artists who began in other modes are now also working in clay. The short introduction that follows provides a narrow and somewhat colorless overview of the history of the clay medium. The artists included vary in age and nationality, and each showcase of selected work is accompanied by a short biography, contact information, and artist statement. Singleton groups the artists by theme. The narrative pieces include colorful bowls with comics-like illustrations and depictions of ordinary life. The graphic pieces are geometric and concerned with the lovely forms of vases and plates. The “Curious” chapter captures magic, play, and humor with fun sculptural pieces such as a pincushion dog. Last but not least, the “Organic” chapter shares ceramics with rougher finishes or imperfections that remind readers of clay’s earthly nature. Singleton has curated a stunning look at the whimsical and eclectic world of present-day ceramic art. Color photos. (Sept.)