The February gallery show will provide the chance to see the work of a very talented young artist who is a valued part of The Clay Studio. Jonathan Pressler, who received his BFA in ceramics and wood design from Kutztown, is also the shop monitor for The Studio's classes. He loads the kilns for students and provides assistance on a wide variety of projects.
Pressier did not originally intend to specialize in the medium. "Part of the degree requirements included a class in clay," he explains, and that class changed the direction of his artistic energies. His work features sculptural vessels handbuilt inside plaster molds. He creates the molds as well, which allows him to design a series of works around a common form. Each unique piece is built on the mold entirely from the inside, which requires the artist to visualize the final work, rather than being able to see it come together. The pieces are then unmolded and fired, using an ancient Asian technique known as raku, producing a distinctive finish and muted but unusual colors. "Inside Looking Out" features four entirely new series of works, created especially for The Clay Studio's show.
Jonathan has been a ceramic artist for over eight years. His work features sculptural vessels handbuilt inside molds, and then raku fired using the traditional firing technique. He designs and builds the molds himself, and, although several pieces are built from each mold, every individual piece is unique. As each piece is created from the inside, this requires that he visualize the final result rather than being able to see it develop as he creates. The show is entitled "Inside Looking Out" and opens Friday, February 3rd, 6-9pm.
Additional examples of Jonathan's work can also be seen at the Swan Gallery – although "Inside Looking Out" will consist exclusively of new works created especially for The Clay Studio's February exhibition.
