The Journey Is What You Make It by Tina Curry
August 4-25, 2023
The Journey Is What You Make It by Tina Curry
Opening reception: Friday, August 4, 5:00-9:00 PM
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 PM; Saturday, August 26 (only), 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This exhibition will transport your mind and creativity to a place where animals give you insight into their own unique personalities and tell their own story. I delve into animal behavior from my interpretation of the way they see the world around them. They say “the eyes tell the story”; at times, the eyes can be humorous and whimsical while they can also exhibit the ferocity and survivalist nature of their species. I prefer to use alternative firing techniques for my sculptures to enhance the intricate detailing and textures of fur and skin. I want to feel it with my eyes as well as my hands.
Bio: Tina began working with clay over 30 years ago. She holds a BA from the University of Florida and worked for 35 years in Graphic Design. Now retired, she is a full-time ceramic and bronze sculptor living in Knoxville, Tennessee. All of her sculptures are hand-built, so each has its own distinctive personality and characteristics. The specialty pieces are one of a kind and born of pure imagination. Alternative firing techniques using natural elements of horse hair, sawdust, banana peels, coffee, manure, and salt create an organic fusion. The fire, smoke, and fumes dance to create more natural surface effects and colorations. Bronze sculpture was added to her body of work in 2019 – another artistic medium that she has always wanted to pursue.
Ceramics Monthly Magazine (September 2022) features an article about Tina and her clay journey. In 2021, the first lady selected Tina among artists in her home state to create the Governors Arts Awards, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts or cultural life of Tennessee. She was honored with a solo exhibition for the Tennessee Arts Commission in Nashville, Tennessee in 2018 and was the featured artist for the Southern Highlands Craft Guild marketing campaign in 2016. Her animal sculptures have been commissioned by the Knoxville Zoo, Tennessee and the Calgary Zoo in Alberta, Canada. Her clay work is in collections of both national and international art enthusiasts.
Tina serves on the Board of Governors for Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Professional memberships include: National Sculpture Society, Southern Highlands Craft Guild, Foothills Craft Guild, Terra Madre Women in Clay, Oak Ridge Art Center, and the Arts and Culture Alliance of Knoxville.
Artist Statement: The ability to create a sculptural piece with my hands is truly a spiritual process. Part of me will always live in that piece no matter where it finds a home. That is why I continue to create and share my love of art.
Instagram @tinasculptress
www.curryoriginals.com