Line and Color
Cara Gilbert

MudFire Gallery's exhibition Line and Color asks what happens when drawing and painting departs from a two dimensional canvas format into the third dimension, etched permanently on functional and sculptural ceramics. The ten artists included in Line and Color - Annette Gates, Cara Gilbert, Courtney Martin, Courtney Murphy, Diana Fayt, Jay Jensen, Julia Galloway, Kelly Sullivan, and Liz Zlot Summerfield - stand out in the field of studio ceramics with their mastery of this exhibit's namesake formal design elements. By redefining the painted surface, these artists create fine art located at the intersection of painting, sculpture, and utility.

Line and Color is on view at MudFire Gallery April 5 - May 3, 2008. The opening night reception will be held from 5-9pm on Saturday, April 5, 2008.

Cara Gilbert Artist Statement

One of the things that drew me to ceramics was the combination of creating vessels that had intrinsic, subtle appeal in their form and volume with adding surface treatments to give them another layer of life and expression. The challenges and delights in both of these aspects of clay -- and how they interact -- I find really appealing. I am inspired by an eclectic set of interests ranging from fabric design (Russian avant-garde textile design and Japanese kimono fabric), to mid-century modern sensibilities in industrial and interior design, to the Bauhaus and Arts and Crafts movements, and more… I play a lot with color, texture, and pattern in glazing.

I work these days mostly with stoneware and porcelain, in oxidation firings. Most pieces reflect a focus on the intersection of traditional, functional pottery and handcrafted contemporary design.

I have been a potter for over 20 years. I gained training and experience through numerous workshops, classes, and logging many, many studio hours in Los Angeles, where I also taught regularly. Shortly after moving to Atlanta, I decided to pursue ceramics full-time and have been doing so for the last 7 years.