Each our own Journey

[Kalika Bowlby]

It took me two days to get to Houston, a long journey from my small mountain town to the 47th annual NCECA conference, but I am extremely grateful to be here. 

NCECA is an opportunity to be immersed and inspired by all things ceramic.  Whenever I have the opportunity to attend I am amazed by the diversity of work produced from such a humble material.  It is not only the diversity of work but as I listen to discussions and presentations I am reminded of each artists unique journey and learning process with the material. 

I ended my afternoon at the "Emerging" Trend in Professional Development discussion by the 2013 emerging artists: Lindsay Pichaske, Sunchine Cobb, Lauren Gallaspy, Linda Swanson, Amber Ginsberg and Brain R. Jones.  Although there was commonalities in their ceramic trajectories and the routes to which led them to be leading the discussion this afternoon, there was an inspiring uniqueness in their experience. This individuality is apparent in their work as well, each responding to contemporary life through ceramics with a strong personal voice. 

Here is a peek at the work of three of this years Emerging Artists which was on display in the Exhibition Hall at the Convention Center.

Sunshine Cobb

Lindsay Pichaske

Lauren Gallaspy

It was a real pleasure to experience the work of these artists in person.  I felt moved and silenced in a bustling environment with the quality of sensuality through texture and sensitivity to the material that is impossible to grasp through images.  The work of each of these artists spoke to me of the layered complexity of experience.