By Michael Thornton

With photos by Deb Jones, Tomás Wolff, and the artists. 

Light Art Space, a vibrant gallery in the historic center of Silver City, NM, is currently hosting the annual exhibition of works by members of New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists.  The annual Celebration of Clay exhibition, themed “Of Mind and Matter,” runs April 4 through April 27.  Notably, this annual presentation of ceramic artwork from NMPCA members across the state of New Mexico is a self-juried show. As such, it provides all members the opportunity to put forth their best work on an even playing field. 

Attending the show’s opening was a rare opportunity to trek to Southwest New Mexico, and to brave the picturesque “pass” through the mountain, testing my luck and skill over its nearly interminable switchbacks and precipitous drop-offs. The opening evening’s bash boasted a stupendous turnout! Many of the exhibiting artists attended, mingling with an impressive number of local art enthusiasts. 

Middle row: “Gold Cloud Bowl” by Leonard Baca; Steve Blakely’s “Mystic Fog”; “Cat’s Eye” by Michael Thornton. Bottom row: “Emerging Sphere” by Tomás Wolff; “Discovered Ores” by Sue Halpern. Photo by Deb Jones.

The exhibit demonstrates the breadth of variety in artists’ approaches in working with clay. It is a study in contrasts - with artists staking out territory on opposite ends of various spectra. 

For example, the eminently utilitarian “Tea Set” of Amy Maule or “Gold Cloud Bowl” by Leonard Baca stands on the other side of the spectrum from the purely abstract sculptural forms of Sara D’Alessandro’s “Claw” or Andrea Pichaida’s “Despertar”. The austere minimalism in color and in form found in Jenna Ritter’s “Vessel” or Doug Hein’s “We are Stars Wrapped in Skin” stands in contrast to the Roccoco outburst of forms and color in Jo Clay’s “Aspidiscus Cristatus” or Judy Nelson Moore’s “Study in Clay, Color and Other Matters”.  

“Tea Set” of Amy Maule.         “Gold Cloud Bowl” by Leonard Baca.  

    

Sara D’Alessandro’s “Claw”           Andrea Pichaida’s “Despertar”

   

Jenna Ritter’s “Vessel.”     Doug Hein’s “We are Stars Wrapped in Skin”

   

Jo Clay’s “Aspidiscus Cristatus.”  Judy Nelson Moore’s “Study in Clay, Color and Other Matters”.  Photos by the artists.

“Gaza” by Diane MacInnes; Greta Ruiz’s “Thrive;” Cathy Pankow’s “Crater Moon Jar.” Photo by Tomás Wolff. 

   

Hebé García’s “Puse un Huevo.” Elaine Kidd’s “From the Deep”. Photos by the artists. 

On the emotional spectrum, the disorientation and suffering of “Gaza” by Diane MacInnes or “Shock and Awe” by Darla Graff Thompson are a world apart from the whimsy and humor of Hebé García’s “Puse un Huevo” or Elaine Kidd’s “From the Deep”.

      

Lin Johnson’s Primary Subjects (Woogie Boogie)”; Steve Blakely’s “Mystic Fog;” Jeff Cooper’s “Bird Water Whistle.” Photos by the artists. 

Throughout the exhibit one can find nods to inspiration from various historical artists and movements.  Lin Johnson’s “Primary Subjects (Woogie Boogie)” recalls the work of Mondrian with its play on words and Red, Blue and Yellow scheme. Steve Blakely’s “Mystic Fog” is a loving throwback to early 20th century American Arts and Crafts pottery, while Jeff Cooper’s “Bird Water Whistle” recalls Pre-Colombian indigenous ceramic forms and rock art of the Americas. 

Darla Graff Thompson with her piece, “shock and awe.” Photo by Tomás Wolff.

Gathering round Zoe Wolfe with her piece entitled, “Ripple.” Photo by Tomás Wolff. 

One can view all the works in this exhibit online: https://www.nmpotters.org/Celebration-of-Clay-2025-NMPCA-NM#pta176554965.  However, if at all possible, I recommend visiting the Light Art Space in person. It takes a direct encounter with these artworks to bring them to life. In particular, I found it especially powerful to stand in the presence a few works there: the aforementioned figurative sculpture “Shock and Awe” by Darla Graff Thompson, in its arresting, warm/hot colors and contorted facial features, is impossible to fully appreciate from a photo alone. It calls to mind the Abstract Expressionist and Fauvist movements, and Cubism - in particular, Picasso’s “Guernica”.  Similarly, Zoe Wolfe’s wall piece, aptly named “Ripple” is an impressive achievement in its scale, and also succeeds in having an enveloping, mesmerizing effect on the viewer, with its deeply carved concentric waves, accentuated by effective use of color in its painterly undulations. 

Whether in person or online, you are invited to vote your preference for the People’s Choice Award.

--Michael Thornton 

Two six-year NMPCA board term member, Michael Thornton lives in Albuquerque. His piece in the show is entitled, "Cat's Eye Vessel."