"White Wave" ceramic sculpture by celebrated Californing ceramist and Professor of Art, Carol Miura, will be included in the "Paper & Clay" exhibition opening at SHY RABBIT on May 17. This original piece is made of stoneware and holds aluminum cans in response to our environment. It measures 13" x 9.5" x 4". Photo courtesy SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts. |
SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts proudly continues its 2008 exhibition schedule with "Paper & Clay” Invitational, May 17 – June 21, 2008. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 5-8:00pm. Several of the artists will be in attendance.
"Paper & Clay" features an impressive selection of clay works by 14 talented Ceramists, all past or present students of Prof. Patrick Shia Crabb of Santa Ana College, as well as original, hand-pressed monotypes by 4 noteworthy Printmakers studying under Professional Artist, D. Michael Coffee.
In consideration of the exemplary work produced during "Printmaking without a Press" workshops Level I - III at SHY RABBIT, a select group of advanced Printmakers were invited to participate in "Paper & Clay" by SHY RABBIT Instructor, D. Michael Coffee.
The selected paper works represent a commitment by these Artists to a furthering and advancement of the “Reductive Ink” Printmaking process, developed by Coffee over the course of 20 years.
In acknowledging the role that arts educators and mentors play in shaping generations of Artists, an exclusive exhibition opportunity was also extended to select ceramic students and alumni of Prof. Patrick Shia Crabb, Head of the Ceramics Deptartment at Santa Ana College for more than three decades, and a respected SHY RABBIT Gallery Artist.
The clay on display represents the achievements of 14 Ceramists, and includes the work of students, professional artists, and art educators currently teaching at various Universities throughout the U.S.
Featured “Paper” Artists are: Debra Blair, Marti Bledsoe, Mary Cruz Chavez, and Don Long.
 Featured “Clay” Artists are: Randy Au, Grace Chang, Joe Cramer, Susan Elizalde-Holler, Mark Hendrickson, Tim Keenan, Young Shin Kim, Li Kung, Ingrid Lilligren, Connie Major, Carol Miura, Brad Schwieger, Karl Tani, and Barbara Thompson.
Among the ceramic works on display are 2 striking ceramic sculptures by celebrated California Ceramist and Professor of Art, Carol Tomiko Miura. “Wave” teapot with cup, 6” x 12.5” x 2.75”, and “White Wave” sculpture, 13” x 9.5” x 4”, are made of stoneware with mixed media, and were inspired by Miura’s concern for the environment.
“I work in a variety of media including collage, clay, ink, litho pencil, colored pencils, oil pastel, pastels, oil stick, acrylics and watercolor”, Miura wrote. “Each medium has its own characteristics, which I find more appropriate for particular subject matter or mood or for an obvious reason such as clay for sculpture.”
“Sometimes subject matter is determined by the theme of a show I have been invited into, but my work is mostly autobiographical and often reflects my cultural background”, Miura continues. “I usually work in a series. My latest work comes from my concern for the environment, especially what I see immediately around me. I am currently doing a series of clay sculptures depicting the ocean; some deal with pollution, hence the aluminum cans inside of the ocean wave. The linear patterns are a combination of stylized Asian and more realistic photographic sources.”
Miura has been creating art since the early age of 5. She received her B.A. degree in Art from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her M.A. degree in Drawing and Painting from California State University, Long Beach. Miura served as a Professor of Art at Santa Ana College, California, from 1974 – 2007, teaching drawing, painting, Asian art, ceramics and calligraphy. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she also worked as a gallery director at SAC for 2-1/2 years, and a department chair for 2 years.
Miura is currently an adjunct instructor at Concordia University in Irvine, California. Her ceramics have been included in a vast array of group and solo exhibitions around the country.
Miura has also been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the “Profiles in Excellence” Faculty Award, Santa Ana College, California, and the Graduate Dean’s List of University Scholars and Artists, California State University in Long Beach.
SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts is a multi-functional Arts facility located at 333 Bastille Drive, two blocks north of Hwy 160, off of North Pagosa Blvd. The 4,000 square foot arts facility houses a ceramic studio and gallery, a mixed-media workshop, and two large exhibition spaces. SHY RABBIT Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm, and by appointment by calling 731-2766.
For additional information about SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts, visit www.shyrabbit.com |