As seasons change, potters tap a spectacular vein of creativity with variations of Autumn gold, copper and crimson at the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Scope Gallery in the "Shades of Fall" show.
Clay artists play with contrasts and textures, using techniques to create an intense selection of pottery touched by vibrancy and warmth. Leaves are pressed into handbuilt wrap vases and dishes, leaving delicate textural imprints. Pears and other seasonal fruit are sculpted or painted on tableware while a sprig of Autumn chrysanthemums are brushed on a platter. Woodfire pieces with warm natural ash finishes showcase the palette of the coming season.
Rich garnet, cranberry red and classic orange Japanese shino glazes echo striking foliage. Silhouettes of ginko leaves appear in crystalline-glazed porcelain vases, plates and dishes.
Artisan platters can grace harvest-festival tables. Tumblers and mugs are heartfelt hugs to go back to school with students. Fall fruit creations can be baked in loaf pans, casseroles and pie plates. Dishes for nuts and snacks are painted with squirrels perched on maple branches and cheese appetizer trays are embossed with patterns of foliage.
The Ceramic Guild show runs August 29 to October 2; hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Thursdays open until 9 p.m. The gallery is located at 105 North Union Street, ground floor Studio 19, Alexandria, VA. 22314. For further information, call Scope Gallery at 703-548-6288 or visit www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope.
