A Nice Distraction
May 3 - May 20, 2025, Reception May 9, 5pm - 7pm
Clay as a response to our times. A group exhibition showing the work of Rhonda Lindberg, Susan Johnson, and Christina Jakubas.
COD Instructor: Elliot Bowers
Rhonda Lindberg
For me, this show is about chosen assignments, experiments in ceramic. It demonstrates what works and always shows what could be improved upon.
My work investigates how functional pottery evolves with the throwing wheel. My practice focuses on refining skills through traditional wheel-throwing techniques while exploring the evolution of nesting bowls, locking jars, and stacking plates. I reshape these forms by referencing contemporary styles, emphasizing simplicity while pushing the boundaries of design and utility. This series examines the intersection of traditional materials and ceramic techniques. In this ongoing intellectual evolution, I aim to connect each vessel to the previous body of work, fostering a deeper connection to craft.
Susan Johnson
My body of work investigates the origin of the goblet and how functional and non-functional vessels work together. My practice is a continuous journey of refining skills through traditional wheel throwing techniques while connecting contemporary forms together. This series navigates the space between traditional materials and the vessel of the goblet, while referencing the goblet historically used in daily life and special occasions. I transform these elements into modern forms, embracing simplicity and pushing the boundaries of form and function.
The dual vessels are a concept that challenges conventional perceptions and explores the ways in which forms connect with each other. This concept aims to understand the intricate relationships between shapes, spaces, and the historical context that informs them.
Historical references serve as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing me to honor the legacy of traditional craftsmanship while stepping into the realm of modern innovation. By integrating these references, I strive to create a dialogue that resonates with both history and contemporary life.
In my art, I find my true voice, continually refining and redefining my practice in the pursuit of artistic creativity. Through this ongoing evolution, I seek to connect the past with the present, creating timeless and innovative works.
Christina Jakubas
“I got art to make; I got love to create.” -Beyonce
My body of work is an exploration into the relationship between the thrown cylindrical form and the organic beauty inspired by the native plants of the Illinois prairie. I have used white stoneware clay with the thrown forms. Additionally, porcelain was used to create the lavender slab pieces. I have not tried to mimic specific plants, but rather, I’ve used nature-- both in color and form-- as inspiration for the pots.
Creating this series allowed time to center on throwing a consistent form while also considering how glaze and different cone firings can complement and challenge the natural color schemes found in nature. Many pieces did not make it to their final firing as I was working on developing a critical eye for my own consistency on the wheel. Manipulating clay, a finite resource, gave me an opportunity to remember that we are all caretakers of our Earth, and we must be mindful of overconsumption on a daily basis. Our needs are actually quite simple, and creating this series allowed me to get back to the basics. I have quickly discovered that connecting with clay is quite literally a grounding opportunity-- a time to quiet outside noise, breathe, be present in the moment, and to, as Axel Salto identifies, “create in the spirit of nature rather than to imitate its external appearance.”
I am committed to embracing beauty in all aspects of life-- even in the most ugly of times, and I hope this series offers an opportunity for you to reconnect with beauty and the natural world. I hope this inspires you to respond to the noise in life by creating your own art. I am so very grateful for the encouragement, guidance, and expertise Professor Bowers has offered these last two semesters. Thank you to my colleagues and friends, Susan and Rhonda, for their eternal generosity and inspiration. Vive la Résistance!
