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Ronald
Michael...
715 N. First St
Lindsborg, KS 67456
(785) 227-3679
ronaldmichael@hotmail.com
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Earthenware
Vessels - Clay Sculpture
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Artist
Statement
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Prefired
Vessels - The left work is Frankenvessel with Black
Orifice, and the right work is Subsurface Hive Vase.
Both are stoneware clay.
Click on the Picture for a larger image. |
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Objects
(both organic and inorganic) exhumed from the soil hold extreme
fascination. They represent an enigmatic underworld of the
sublime; ranging dramatically in size, form and complexity.
Although areas of science attempt to identify and classify these
elements, they often elude accepted methodologies and remain
obscured in mystery. The primary goal of my ceramic work is
to present an invented sampling of these elements, and their
remnants and imprints, to encourage the viewer to realize the
vitality and mystery held within the soil. |
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Subsurface
Mysteries - Stoneware clay, 28x23x9 inches.
Click on the Picture for a larger image. |
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My
reverence for the soil and its constituents, especially in Kansas,
has proven to be a significant source in developing the conceptual
and technical foundation of my work. The forms my pieces
take vary greatly from functional planters to large-scale
sculpture. In each, I attempt to integrate elements that
might be represented in the soil. These range from obscure
tracings left by unrecognized organisms to imprints of rusted
hardware that have cycled through the subsurface. The
materials and firing techniques vary greatly. I utilize a
variety of clay bodies, including earthenware and stoneware, that
are composed with a percentage of native Kansas clay. Works
are fired, depending on need, between 1830 to 2350 degrees in both
oxidation and reduction environments. |
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Vassal
Vessel with Blue and Gold Elements - Stoneware clay,
8x12x7 inches.
Click on the Picture for a larger image. |
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It
is my overall hope that this combination of form, materials and
process will initiate reflection on the part of the viewer and
develop a greater reverence for the important, yet sublime, nature
of soil and its role in the ecosystem. |
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Artist
Biography
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In
addition to working as a ceramic artist, Ron serves as Curator for
the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg. He has
also taught Introduction to Ceramics for Bethany College. In
2000, he received an MFA degree in Ceramics from the University of
Kansas. |
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Prior
to working at the Sandzén Gallery and attending KU, Ron was
employed as a reference librarian for the California College of
Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California. In 1995, he received
a Master's Degree in Library Science and Information Management
from Emporia State University. |
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He
grew up in Denver and holds two undergraduate degrees from Fort
Hays State University; a BFA in Art (Ceramics) and a BA in
Communications. Additionally, he spent two years as a high
school art instructor in Seneca, Kansas, worked for three years at
KBSH-TV in Hays, one year for the Hays Public Library and several
years at Credit Unions in Austin, Texas and Denver, Colorado. |
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Ron
Michael is represented by Small World Gallery, 127 N. Main Street,
Lindsborg, KS 67456. Telephone: (785) 227-4442.
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Copyright
2005 - Lindsborg Arts Council, Inc.
Website Design by Marc Anderson -
Moose
AB Website Development
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