| Sheldon Ganstrom's Work Statement |
INNER RITUALS
VESSELS AND TEMPLES
Exploring the emotional connection between the ceremonial vessel and the
temple that houses them is the primary concept behind this body of work.
Inspired by both ancient and contemporary architecture and vessels, this
series investigates man's spiritual response to the buildings he creates and the
utensils contained within. In the past, man designed monuments and temples
to worship and appease his gods, vessels of great beauty and power served both
man and the gods in mysterious rituals. Modern man has shifted his creative
drive to designing great buildings dedicated to commerce and science, yet the
spiritual urge for ritual, mystery and service still remains. These works
represent the inner rituals and imaginary ceremonial centers needed by a
modern man.
Vessel forms are typically wheelthrown in sections and combined with pulled
handles and slab built segments. Temples are constructed of textured slabs
juxtaposing dark, rough organic surfaces against smooth, light refined areas,
reflecting the eroding effects of time on man's efforts. A strongly contrasting
palette of black, white, red and tan enhance the mysterious emotional impact of
these pieces, adding to their quiet elegance. Raku firing adds subtle nuances of
surface detailing to complete the timeless character of each work.
VESSELS AND TEMPLES
Exploring the emotional connection between the ceremonial vessel and the
temple that houses them is the primary concept behind this body of work.
Inspired by both ancient and contemporary architecture and vessels, this
series investigates man's spiritual response to the buildings he creates and the
utensils contained within. In the past, man designed monuments and temples
to worship and appease his gods, vessels of great beauty and power served both
man and the gods in mysterious rituals. Modern man has shifted his creative
drive to designing great buildings dedicated to commerce and science, yet the
spiritual urge for ritual, mystery and service still remains. These works
represent the inner rituals and imaginary ceremonial centers needed by a
modern man.
Vessel forms are typically wheelthrown in sections and combined with pulled
handles and slab built segments. Temples are constructed of textured slabs
juxtaposing dark, rough organic surfaces against smooth, light refined areas,
reflecting the eroding effects of time on man's efforts. A strongly contrasting
palette of black, white, red and tan enhance the mysterious emotional impact of
these pieces, adding to their quiet elegance. Raku firing adds subtle nuances of
surface detailing to complete the timeless character of each work.
