20240118 132201

George Rodriguez

"Transporting Traditions"

Standing at 9 feet tall and 3 feet wide “Transporting Traditions” is a sculpture of a feminine figure adorned with regalia from a myriad of cultures. The sculpture, installed in January of 2024 is a piece by Mexican-American artist George Rodriguez. In the past Rodriguez has been known to incorporate his heritage into his work, typically sculpting in a traditional Mexican style; although not limiting himself to one style, Rodriguez has been known to blend cultures from across the world. His Mexican-Chinese-inspired “Zodiac" collection demonstrates his ability to create a cohesive work inspired from across the globe. This cultural fusion is present in “Transporting Traditions”; The figure is decorated with a mixture of Central African, Puerto Rican, and Islamic pottery. Balanced on the figurehead sits a Central African vessel decorated in raised relief botanicals; made in a distinctive red clay found in the countries of Namibia and Angola often seen in the pottery of the Himba Tribe. Slung across the figure’s body in a satchel-like way is a traditional Puerto Rican pot enriched with details of the vejiante and coqui. The vejiante, traditionally a demon character from Spanish and Puerto Rican folklore has become a symbol of cultural pride to the people of Puerto Rico, with origins as a demon to scare people into going to church the vejiante has become a mainstage at festivals and other community events. The coqui is a colloquial name for multiple frog species native to the Puerto Rican island and its surrounding areas. The coqui has been known to symbolize the nation's lush biodiversity and is a popular character in children's stories and folklore. Lastly standing next to the figure is an Islamic vase painted with intricate blue florals. The nature of most Islamic pottery is cultural cohesion, due to the spread of Islam through the 13th century; many Islamic artworks and artisan goods have strong Chinese and Spanish influences, represented here in the inspired vessel. “Transporting Traditions” is a piece that shows a variety of cultural practices and traditions fused into one; demonstrating the way traditions are transported to and from culture through globalization and the way every one of us carries our own varieties of cultural experiences within us.

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Roberto Lugo

"The Talented Mr. Trotter: You Can Be Anything"

Completed in September of 2022, “The Talented Mr. Trotter: You Can Be Anything” mural covers four stories on the Clay Studio’s north-facing wall, a painting done by local artist Roberto Lugo. The mural depicting Tariq Trotter, better known as “Black Thought", is in the center of a vessel inspired by a Gilded Servès Vessel, used traditionally by royalty during 18th century France. Lugo, primarily recognized as a ceramic artist, saw great value in the French porcelain and depicted Trotter on such a vase to display him in the likeness of royalty; an honor usually reserved only for white elites. Trotter, a proud Philly native, is a musician and actor, most known as the lead of popular music group, The Roots, which serves as the house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Hailing from the Point Breeze neighborhood; is a symbol of pride in the local arts community and is widely recognized as one of the most talented musicians of his time, a strong reputation that Lugo wanted to honor with this mural. In addition to Tariq Trotter, the mural also features Sonia Sanchez and Amiri Baraka. Sanchez, an acclaimed poet, and Philadephia’s first poet laureate. Sanchez is also well known for her work in education, holding the Laura Carnell Chair for 22 years at Temple University. Similarly, Amiri Baraka is also an American writer, poet, and essayist. Often compared to the likes of a new-age James Baldwin. Baraka’s work focuses on the black American experience and is considered founding literature of the Black Arts Movement. The combination of these three individuals over Lugo’s maximalist-styled backdrop shows black excellence in the arts and is a testament to Lugo’s own inspirations and forebearers.

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George Rodriguez & Community Members

"A New Dawn Jawn"

In April 2022, George Rodriguez embarked on a project called "A New Dawn Jawn" intended for display in the new Clay Studio building. Collaborating with the clay studio staff and the local community, to create this piece, Rodriguez created a full-wall mural for the first-floor stairway landing at the studio's new Kensington location. The mural comprises over 500 tiles designed by Rodriguez, each made from clay pressed into plaster molds. During several community events, both staff and community members participated in creating tiles from these molds. After the completion of the tiles, Rodriguez began the meticulous process of staining and glazing them to bring his vision to life. The mural itself is a beautiful tribute to urban life and the arts, showcasing a rat and a vase in shadow against a vibrant city skyline. The rat, often considered a pest with a history of urban living dating back over 4,000 years, represents the persistent nature of metropolitan life. Despite numerous attempts to eradicate them from cities, rats have endured, symbolizing the resilience and perseverance of everyday city workers. On the other hand, the vase, traditionally a symbol of beauty, embodies the rich culture and artistic history that Philadelphia is renowned for. This project reflects Rodriguez's personal concept of community and the complex of community as a whole. By depicting the vibrant city of Philadelphia, the mural serves as a powerful example of Rodriguez's work blending his personal experiences with the beauty of embellishments and decorations.

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Made by Molly Hatch & Community Members

"Linked"

Completed in 2022 by guest artist Molly Hatch, "Linked" is a community-based art project. Hatch, currently based in Florence, MA, drew inspiration from the china and porcelain displayed in her home during her upbringing, which were acquired by her Boston merchant ancestors. For this project, members of the local community and clay studio staff were given the opportunity to design one of 49 porcelain plates with underglaze, which were then glazed with a deeper blue and embellished with gold luster. The luster was used across all the plates to form a cohesive image of a chain. Hatch drew inspiration from the "States" china collection commissioned by Martha Washington for the President’s House in Philadelphia. Washington’s china featured a gold chain connecting the colonies in an unbreakable union. Hatch sought to emulate this style by framing it through the lens of friendship. The chain conveys a sense of strength, symbolizing a joining together that can withstand the tests of time and hardship. The project depicts both the basic level of friendship between the clay studio and the surrounding community, as well as the concept of friendship as a whole. Each plate can stand on its own as a piece of art, yet when the plates are brought together, they transform into a whole different piece, demonstrating the individuality brought by every person within a community. By playing with individuality and community, Hatch challenges the viewer to reflect on their own identity and how it intersects with others around them.

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