Reed Smith Gallery
Opening Reception, First Friday, Jan 6, 5-9pm
Hedden and Stafford are married. They currently live in Normal Illinois, where both are practicing artists and Stafford serves as an Assistant Professor at the College of Fine Arts, Illinois State University. Both received their MFA's from the New York State College of Ceramic Art at Alfred University. Since that time, each has continued to create work of originality and strength, Stafford creating tableware and Hedden creating sculpture. Though their work come from distinctly different worlds, and have completely different intentions, commonalities exist. Both have managed to define a sensibility, an aesthetic that is truly unique. Combined with a sensitivity of touch, an understanding of material, process, ceramic and art history their work challenges known norms, moving comfortably between worlds of art, craft and design.
Line and edge are important elements within Hedden's and Stafford's bodies of work, as is the use of color. Both create pieces made of parts, combining seemingly disparate elements that upon closer inspection are relatable. Stafford combines thrown forms, some pure but many manipulated, with hand built forms, the surfaces textured with linear impressions, pierced or built up through glazing. Hedden juxtaposes oddly anthropomorphic forms atop pieces of furniture, stools and tables that serve as domestic foil and landscape. Both continue to create bodies of work that make one excited and anxious to experience their next.
If you are interested in purchasing any work displayed here, please call Naomi Cleary at 215-925-3453 ext 10 or email naomi@theclaystudio.org.
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