In Hudson Valley, New York, ceramicist Bonnie Levine draws inspiration from the relationships around her to create playful yet refined ceramic pieces.
Whether assembling two hemispheres together or two vessels arranged to form one, creating moments of intimacy is foundational to Levine's creative endeavor. In her studio, the plasticity of the material, the mood of the moment, and the moisture in the air converge to produce pieces that embody the human form and reference the natural world.
Similar to Levine's work as an art There is a tension and emotive quality to her sculptures and the hardened yet fragile material adds complexity of the work.
Working with early yakishime techniques of high-firing ceramics, Iwata plays with haphazardness of clay to bring the rich texture, colour and sheen innate to the material up to the surface. This playfulness can be seen in the whimsical shapes and addition of found seashells in some of his work that make each piece wholly unique. While the surface of his pieces appear to highlight the natural element of chance, his practice also reflects a consideration of each piece's place in a home and in our hands, ensuring that its shape is well thought out and function very well.
Bonnie Levine is a ceramic artist and studio art educator living and working in the Hudson
Valley and New York City.
Similar to Levine’s work in the classroom where material exploration is essential, Levine draws
inspiration and direction from the clay itself. She uses various techniques to create her forms
such as throwing on the pottery wheel and altering the forms, to handbuilding. The