Bowls, vases, pie plates, thrown and altered pieces. You’ll find all types of ceramic art at the Spori Art Gallery’s latest exhibit called “Common Earth.”
The exhibit features the work of 17 ceramic artists from 12 institutions of higher learning. The exhibit was the idea of Hyrum Benson, Seth Green, Shane Christensen and Brian Jensen.
During a getaway in Red Lodge, Montana, they realized they were all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were teaching at different universities – BYU-Idaho, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Utah Tech University and Utah Valley University. They decided to put a show together featuring more Latter-day Saint ceramic artists who teach in higher education.
The exhibit has a variety of styles, firing methods and creative concepts.
Some of the pieces were made recently, specifically for this show.
“I think the work that I’m going to make next is going to be the best work I’ve ever made,” Jensen said. “It doesn’t always work out that way but I’m always kind of optimistic about the potential of whatever’s next.”
The pieces you’ll see from the artists are vastly different. For example, Jensen’s pieces have more of a structural or engineering feel while Christensen’s pieces could be used in every day life.
“I want it to be functional. I want them to put them in their homes. I want them to use them and use them up,” Christensen said.
The exhibit is free to the public and open through Dec. 17.