Pottery by Rex W. Redd
October 7-28, 2016
Pottery by Rex W. Redd
Opening reception: Friday, October 7, 5:00-9:00 PM
Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, 3:30-6:30 PM (through October 23).
This is an exhibition of works in clay that pays homage to the history of the medium, but with a contemporary flair to underscore art’s innate tendency to evolve as it passes from maker to maker. Works range from those that appear to have been excavated from an ancient ruin to the crisp, contemporary forms that defy categorization – and maybe even gravity! All work is handmade. I take particular interest in formulating and making my own glazes and surface treatments. Techniques vary from the use of natural materials commonly seen in the desert southwest to others that involve the use of acids, precious metals, and fuming agents to create otherworldly effects. I enjoy pushing the conventions associated with clay while still respecting the origins of the medium.
As a native Montanan, Rex W. Redd had the blessing of growing up immersed in natural beauty. The central part of the state features vast open grasslands, time worn sandstone structures, and the endless “Big Sky” for which the state is known. Redd attended the University of Montana at Missoula where he graduated with a degree in Anthropology and discovered his true love for the arts. Growing up in Montana usually means ample exposure to Charles Russell, Frederick Remington, and a variety of other cowboy-related art. Craft is dominated by an incredible variety of Native American work, tooled leather, and an array of folk art. While certainly wonderful examples to be surrounded by, college would introduce him to the world of impressionism, abstraction, contemporary craftsmen and the great masters. Redd works in several other mediums including painting, printmaking, photography and wood; often incorporating more than one into a project. He has work in several private and corporate collections throughout the United States, as well as Europe, Japan, and Australia. For more information, please visit www.rexredd.com.