Glenn Dair
Glenn Dair’s work is largely influenced by non-pottery sources. In particular, his work echoes Asian, Greek, Pre-Hispanic American architecture as well as Chinese bronze forms. Boat-influenced imagery can also be found among his sculptural objects. His work is mostly founded on utilitarian context (teapots, lidded jars, bowls, etc.), but Glenn is particularly interested by the gesture of the genre, and is concerned with the "sculptural presence" of the object.
Glenn Dair at MudFire
Gallery group show Mug*Shots, August 2009
Gallery group show American Masters, May 2008
Gallery group show Teapots A-Go-Go 2, April 2004
Glenn Dair Artist Statement
First of all, I hate artist's statements, but if you are taking the time to read this, you must have some curiosity not satisfied by my work.
I really love moving clay around, and am fascinated by the changing moods of this medium. I approach the work as a dialog or a partnered dance, listening and following as much as directing. Most of my work starts on the wheel, but doesn't stay that way. I just can't leave anything alone, it seems. I strive to throw like a hand builder, and will work on a piece until it surprises me with its newness.
The work is mostly founded on utilitarian context ("teapot", "lidded jar", "bowl", etc.), but often not restricted by usefulness. My teapots will pour, but in a strange way. My lidded forms will hold something, as will the bowls. I am more interested by the gesture of the genre, and am concerned with the "sculptural presence" of the object. (how the object takes up space as well as how it shapes the space around it). Surface treatment is directed in shaping the space within the space. Form and Surface: that's what we have to work with.
I look to non-pottery sources for influence, and am drawn primarily to architectural (Asian, Greek, Pre-Hispanic American) as well as Chinese bronze forms. I find traditional Indonesian wooden boats to be among the finest forms ever made, and hope someday to make an object of such quality. Rarely are these influences used consciously. I prefer to witness, sublimate, and incorporate the images into the self of myself so that my heart and hands can do the real work.
I hope this helps.
