In The Backspace /

Ceramics

Nicholas Nyland

August 6–30, 2008

SOIL member and Lakewood-based artist Nicholas Nyland will present new work in ceramics. The abstract sculptures feature simple construction techniques—handfuls of clay that have been twisted into shape, or slabs that retain the rough texture of cloth are cobbled together into curious objects. The works carry references to forms found in nature and certain sculptures make particular reference to Chinese scholar's stones, collected for their unusual and evocative forms which function as objects of meditation and metaphors for fantastical and idealized landscapes. While some are left unglazed, others feature boldly colored glazes applied with direct gestures reminiscent of Nyland's paintings.