Necessary Accessories

St. Thomas artist and owner of Everyday Clay Studio proudly announced her art exhibit "Necessary Accessories" featuring art created by four women artists.

The four artists represented work in medias that have traditionally been considered 'craft', but have been working to attain art status.  The artists will show how their artistic urge has connected conceptualization with their imagination and how their hands have connected their eyes and mind.

The exhibit will challenge the viewer to define functional vs. decorative.  Consider that there is no difference when a potter uses aesthetic judgments about the quality of glaze on a platter, than what a painter or sculptor must judge in their studio.  True some might equate 'functional' with craft, but even a painting has a function.

The title of the show - Necessary Accessories.   What 'accessory' is 'necessary' to get you through the day?  Is a particular necklace that will always bring a smile to your face, necessary or an accessory?  Is art necessary or an accessory in everyday life?

The fundamental human desire to create art with one's own hands is now endangered by popular culture, factory production and the need for immediacy in everyday life.  Please help encourage the desire to create art. 

ARTISTS:

Traditionally a potter, Kimberly Young, will show works that integrate clay and fibers, featuring ceramic and felt purses, quilted ceramic bowls, and silk scarves with ceramic embellishments.

Artist Lynn Berry will be mixing the medias of clay, beading and jewelry.   Specializing in the Raku firing technique, she has created a charming line of female figure pendants and earrings.

Carla Merino will be focusing on sterling silver and mixed media jewelry.  She is currently working with pressed flowers trapped in resin, creating a nostalgic element as if to preserve memories to be worn.  Her broad background in fine arts often gives her jewelry a sculptural feel.

St Thomas newcomer, Mel Jonassen, will be showing beaded jewelry that was first inspired from African nomads who traditionally wore whatever they had of value to convey their status in society:  Necessary Accessories.   It then takes a turn to express what our culture deems necessary to convey status.

The show ran from November 1st through Saturday, November 22nd at Everyday Clay Studio located in Tillett Gardens.

PENDANTS by LYNN BERRY

HAND BEADED BELT by MEL JONASSEN

STERLING JEWELRY by CARLA MERINO

PURSES by KIMBERLY YOUNG