Shoko is known for her highly decorated narrative works, and Matt is known for his quiet simple forms. The two together make an interesting couple, in the gallery and in life.. Married, the two show a depth in their artistic relationship that goes beyond their similarities and their differences. Distinctly different at first glance, close up you see similar lines, some similar forms and for certain, a similar grace. In this exhibit, we will see works from each individual artist, plus a body of collaborative work.
About her work, Shoko states, “Growing up in Japan, I remember tradition being part of daily life. Temples and shrines were everywhere, even inside our home. I was drawn to these sacred spaces and ceremonial objects because they were decorated with texture and pattern contrasted by areas of calm and stillness. These memories inspire my current work. I make boxes, intimate bowls, and small plates for precious objects, vases for flower arranging and a variety of serving pieces. Many of the forms allude to function and would serve food well, but are more comfortable being placed in sacred spaces of the home like the center of a formal dining room table, a hope chest, or a bedside stand.
“Ornamentation is important to my ideas. I have created motifs called vine patterns to lead your eye around the work. Patterns run continuously to create narrow borders or to fill large amounts of space. They can flow into tight curves just as easily as they can bend around the belly of a form. The patterns create visual movement representing water, wind, and clouds. Birds appear throughout my work to create focal points. Some birds swim in the motion of slip and fly around the vine patterns. Others are walking or sitting in thought. To me, the birds represent my sense of freedom.
About his work, Matt states “Utilitarian objects are accessible and universal. Their forms are recognizable and their utility makes them inclusive... "I develop my form by considering the requirements of utility. I challenge these assumptions by altering design to communicate gentle and self-confident shapes. I often explore specific design by playing with compositional elements. Volume, line, center of gravity, edges, spouts, handles, feet, or lids may all be altered in subtle degrees. I also fine-tune tactile elements such as weight distribution, balance, and thickness to explore the composition of a pot. I search for a poised form that captures the essence of utility.”
Shoko Teruyama grew up in Mishima, Japan. She earned a BA in education and taught elementary school two years before coming to the United States to study art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1997. Shoko received her MFA in ceramics in the fall of 2005 from Wichita State University. She finished a three-year residency at the Penland School of Crafts in 2008 and is now a studio artist in Marshall, NC.
Matt Kelleher is currently a working potter in Madison County, found in the mountains of western North Carolina. In 2005, he made the decision to leave teaching and pursue a career in making through a residency at Penland School of Crafts. Matt has also been artist in residence at Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT (1999-2001) and Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in Shigaraki, Japan (2003). As Matt continues a 15-year investigation of soda-fired tableware, he has broadened his interests to include sculptural vessels, bird inspired forms, and collaborative work with Shoko Teruyama.
Clay Art Center is proud to present 
