Hard and Soft: Contrasts in Nature

Imagine the allure of a flower with petals delicate to the touch, that after the petals fade becomes a seedpod with a hard, protective shell. Or a plant that has remarkably taken root in a small crevice of a boulder.

In my solo exhibition at the Octagon Center for the Arts, in Ames, Iowa, I have had the opportunity to explore these contrasts in the natural world, from tiny, fragile shoots in spring, undulating corals and opening flowers, to predatory creatures, prickly pods, stones, and seeds. 

 Given that my organic sculptures are all formed in clay, which itself begins as a soft, malleable substance, and after firing feels as hard as stone, I am aware of and inspired by the contrast between the hard and soft characteristics of every piece I make. As a wonderfully versatile medium, clay is perfect for the creation of three dimensional, lifelike forms.

Featuring 25 sculptures that represent a wide range of natural forms, “Hard and Soft: Contrasts in Nature” has been on display in Octagon’s Sweeney Gallery since July 13^th.   The exhibition will come to a close on Saturday, August 31^st, but prior to that I look forward to giving an artist talk at the closing reception on Friday August 30^th, at 5:00 pm.  

For more information about this and other exhibitions at Octagon, check out their website:  https://octagonarts.org/see/exhibits/?tribe_paged=1&tribe_event_display=past