CARTHAGE, Mo. — “Line and Shadow” a 3-D exhibition, illustrates the refinement and sophistication of a medium as it has evolved — over thousands of years — from the practicality of a utilitarian clay vessel to an art form that evokes pure design, form and beauty.
The show, featuring two ceramic artists, opens Friday at artCentral.
Jed Schlegel, of Saginaw, describes his art as being “attentive to form, with an emphasis on craftsmanship.” Oversize pieces thrown on a wheel and then altered in some way are considered his functional work.
His sculptural pieces usually combine natural elements (white stoneware and porcelain, for example). Melded into organic shapes through various construction techniques, they are given added appeal from interesting surface textures created by hand or tool, or randomly by the flame of the kiln.
Schlegel says his intent is to prompt the viewer to run their hands as well as their eyes over his creations. Although far removed from the practicality of a pot, a pitcher or a bowl, there is a shared sense of connection with the past through the timelessness of the sculptural shapes he produces.
His inspiration comes from nature, Schlegel said. After several trips to the Grand Canyon where he was immersed in the colors and textures of the weathered rock walls, the same surfaces and colors began to emerge in his work. The pieces you will see in the exhibit would fit comfortably in any rustic or contemporary home, hung on a wall or displayed on a table.
While participating in art shows across the country, my artist-husband and I have long been impressed with Schlegel’s award-winning work. It was great having someone from “close to home” there with us. I remember, in particular, a show in the Shaw Historical District of St. Louis, when the three of us enjoyed a wonderful Italian feast in the backyard of an art patron’s home on a warm summer night.
When he is not designing or creating his sculpture, Schlegel sometimes teaches a class in ceramics at Missouri Southern State University. He also holds workshops in his home studio. His next scheduled workshop in November is already at capacity.
Gregory Krepps, of Pittsburg, Kan., the other ceramic artist in the show, has worked for 30 years on pinched clay vessels. Round-bottomed and burnished, as often as six to seven times, the finely-crafted, pit-fired vessels are no longer functional. “But they are filled now with as much expression as vessels ever were,” Krepps said.
“As civilization grew, so did its craftsmanship,” he said, “and with it came more beautiful forms, better functional strength and better surfaces — whether smooth or decorative, they were reflective of personal taste and everyday life, spiritual, religious, or celebrating an event.
“I am always working on them towards better craftsmanship, knowing full well the surfaces and forms must fit to create a whole and beautiful piece.” Like Schlegel, Krepps hopes that his vessels give viewers the urge to touch and feel.
The opening reception for the show begins at 6 p.m. Friday in the main gallery of Hyde House, 1110 E. 13th St. Refreshments will be served, and admission is free.
Carthage, Jasper County
Jo Ellis: Art show highlights craftsmanship
- Carthage, Jasper County
-
-
Carthage attorney, reformer of revenue department, dies
James R. Spradling, a Carthage attorney who was noted for his reform of the Missouri Department of Revenue in the 1970s, died at 5:50 a.m. Monday at McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital.
-
Bondswoman charged with false imprisonment
A bail bondswoman from Carthage is facing a charge of false imprisonment for allegedly attempting to put a man in jail without a judge’s order, then taking him home and handcuffing him to the banister of a staircase until a friend of the man paid her his bond money.
-
Man’s last statement to be given to defendant
A judge ruled Monday that the Jasper County prosecutor must provide attorneys for Darren J. Winans with a videotaped statement co-defendant Matthew D. Laurin made about the Sheldon murders shortly before killing himself.
-
Carthage proposes 1.6-cent rise in city property tax
A drop in the assessed value of Carthage real estate will translate to an increase of about 1.6 cents in the city’s proposed property tax rate.
-
Open house to celebrate projects at courthouse
Projects completed last year at the Jasper County Courthouse will be celebrated in ceremonies Thursday in the courthouse lobby.
County officials will join representatives of local chambers of commerce and others for a ribbon-cutting and open house to mark the opening of a Route 66 display in the lobby and a new “peace star” atop the building. -
State budget cuts reduce county funds
County officials are bracing for more state budget cuts to translate into a loss of county revenues.
In an effort to balance Missouri’s budget, the state earlier this year cut the amount it reimburses county assessors for work to determine property values. The budget approved by lawmakers for fiscal 2011 calls for cutting the amount the state reimburses counties to house prisoners bound for state lockup. -
Jo Ellis: County home to rare yellowwood tree
In late spring, drifts as white as snow fill the gutters and curbs on the east side of the Jasper County Courthouse. It isn’t snow, of course; it’s the fallen petals of the yellowwood tree that grows squarely in front of the door to the Jasper County Extension office.
-
Jasper County Commission gets building project update
Plans to close out one building project and start another were reviewed by the Jasper County Commission last week.
Darieus Adams, Western District associate commissioner, met Thursday with officials of the firm who designed a $292,400 project to upgrade the lighting and make other changes to make four county-owned buildings more energy efficient. -
Two men running for associate judge in 39th Circuit take case to court
Two men running for associate judge in Missouri’s 39th Circuit began battling it out in a Jasper County courtroom this week.
Jasper County Circuit Judge Gayle Crane heard arguments Wednesday concerning the disclosure of documents sought by Robert “Bobby” George, Aurora, the current Lawrence County prosecutor. -
Unveiling ceremony celebrates CHS tiger
Kandy Frazier, Carthage High School principal, summed it up once the new addition to the CHS campus was unveiled Thursday.
The bronze tiger sculpture created by Carthage artist and sculptor Bob Tommey, she said, is the kind of work that would be found at a big university. - More Carthage, Jasper County Headlines
-
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
