Slide Lecture: Tuesday Jan. 4, 7pm, open to
the public
Paul
Soldner is perhaps the most widely recognized American ceramic artist
living today, as an innovator and inventor, he has become a part of
the ceramic culture in a way that no one else has. In the 50's Soldner
investigated "extended throwing", tall slender thrown forms sometimes
as tall as 8 feet. In the 60's and 70's Soldner explored Raku, soon
moving away form the japanese tradition and creating what is known
today as American Raku, the style most American potters know with
fast firing and a bucket of combustible materials. In the 70's and
80's Soldner moved into what he called "low-temperature salt-firing".
Throughout this 40 year exploration, Soldner has placed strong emphasis
on painterly and sculptural investigation. Half of his art works are
wall pieces, the other half pedestal pieces. The subject matter includes
the figure, with implied social content, calligraphy and abstraction.
Perhaps most importantly, Soldner's art work can be characterized
by an intense interest based on the organic and assymetrical qualities
of clay.
Participants spent a week with Paul Soldner and explored sculptural
forms, firing techniques and the innovative approach to clay that
Soldner brings with him. Attendees were asked to bring bisqueware
for various firings throughout the week.
Paul
Soldner is perhaps the most widely recognized American ceramic artist
living today, as an innovator and inventor, he has become a part of
the ceramic culture in a way that no one else has. In the 50's Soldner
investigated "extended throwing", tall slender thrown forms sometimes
as tall as 8 feet. In the 60's and 70's Soldner explored Raku, soon
moving away form the japanese tradition and creating what is known
today as American Raku, the style most American potters know with
fast firing and a bucket of combustible materials. In the 70's and
80's Soldner moved into what he called "low-temperature salt-firing".
