38th Annual Small Image Show

Gallery 21 is hosting the 38th Annual Small Image show, organized by the Spanish Village Arts Center in Balboa Park. It is a unique show where artists across various media were presented a challenge of utilizing a small image (less than 10" in size) in the widest range of visual expression. This year's juror was Karen McGuire, curator of exhibitions for the city of Carlsbad's William D. Cannon Art Gallery.

I am happy to announce that two of my saggar porcelain pieces were juried in. Show starts on the 23rd, it is a Wednesday. Each artists are required to sit in for half a day. My time slot is opening day on the 23rd, 11am - 1:30pm. I'd be happy to give you the tour !

Strike two for Sue !

Sue Bakley and her First Place piece

My dear friend Sue Bakley got the first place award again this year with her mixed media porcelain figurines. No surprise there, her work does stand out. She crafts characters out of fine porcelain, then borrow from her experience as a purse designer to dress them up with a touch of elegance and charm. I love how she created a style of her own from merging to disparate crafts together. And the possibilities are endless, as she confided. She's got plans to expand her line, so stay tuned and watch out for her.

One of my entries
Shadow Orb; naked Raku

No awards for me, but I did manage to get my two entries picked up for the show. Acceptance rate was about 50%, so I feel good :) They were the only two alternative fire ceramics pieces in the show. I encourage anyone in the field to enter next year, we need more representation !

37th Small Image Show starting today

A quick note about the 2012 Small Image Show opening today at Gallery 21 in the Spanish Village Art Center.
First, it's a great show ! Contrary to its title, it includes all media, not just pictures or paintings. All art is required to be no more than 10 inches in length in any direction. Which means a broad selection of art pieces that are sure to delight any visitors.
And the show is juried to ensure a high quality display. This year's juror is watercolor painter Joanna Mersereau. She will have the additional task to award three prices.
So don't miss out the reception on Saturday, January 28th, 4-8pm. Come mingle with the artists and discover what they've been up to.

A small peek into the "Contain Yourself" exhibit

I stopped by Gallery 21 yesterday to have a quiet viewing of the "Contain Yourself"exhibit. It was nice to have the place for myself (almost) and slowly savor all the wonderful work displayed. I was able to make a quick movie so I can share with you the quality of the show. All the pieces are for sale. Some are already taken (red dot). During the movie you will see some gold stars next to a name, it denotes an award by the juror. It is unfortunate I cannot post a higher resolution, all the pieces are truly amazing. You are just going to have to see it for yourself ! But do not wait, the show is open until May 2nd, 11 am to 4pm. For more information go to http://www.gallery21art.com/ 

"Contain Yourself" Exhibit at Gallery 21

Exhibit Poster

The CASD-sponsored exhibit at Gallery 21 in Balboa Park is ongoing until May 2nd. It is a Clay Artists of San Diego member only show, with close to 80 original pieces on display. The show was juried by Sasha K. Reibstein, assistant professor of Art and Head of the Ceramics Department at Palomar Community College. Awards went for Vanessa Backer "Final Nesting Place #2", Sandra Burgener "Claw Box", Andy Halbert "Pinched Form #1", Sanda Hohn "Words that Got Away", Maricarmen Olimon "Precious Thoughts", and Richard L. Sted "Untitled".
I have four pieces in the show, two orchid pots, a Raku vase, and a Raku container. I was missing my camera for the opening, so I can only share two pictures my friend Vaughan took for me. I like to make pots for orchids, but sometimes I think the plant distracts from the pot too much. Certainly the case below. Smaller plants would have given more attention to the pots. Like on the poster ! Yes, that's my mine. It was one of my entries from last year's exhibit. Great poster, don't you think ?!!!

Dry Earth (left) and Starbust Raku (right)

Peacock Vase

Gallery 21 Small Image Show

So you missed the reception (January 29th), but you can still catch the show at the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park until February 21st, from 11 am to 4pm daily.
I stopped by on the 8th to discover a wide selection of media covered: ceramics, photography, painting, collage, glass, sculpture among others. I was impressed by the quality of the work. But what really made me proud is that two of my artist friends won first place in their own category. Congratulations to ceramic artist Sue Bakely and glass artist Vicki Leon !

To view their work follow this link: spanish village center blog