Overview
The word crucible has multiple meanings; in the world of ceramics, it is a functional object. Narrow at the bottom and wide at the mouth, the crucible’s cylindrical form helps it withstand elevated temperatures in order to melt metal or other substances. This physical form also has a more abstract concept; the word crucible stems from the Bible and means difficult trials in a person’s life.
Both of these aspects continue to inspire a group of four significant sculptors working in ceramics: Kenneth Baskin, Richard Hirsch, Scott Meyer, and Michael Rogers. While each of these artists independently created their own crucible-shaped works of art over the past decade, two years ago they came together to work collaboratively on The Crucible Project. This sharing of ideas helped them to meld unique design perspectives while highlighting their individual areas of technical expertise. As a group, they overcame the challenges of distance, technical needs, and difficulties with materials, reinventing and pushing the limits of the crucible form as seen in this exhibition, which features both works of art created by the artists individually and the works created together.
Above (left to right): Kenneth Baskin, Scott Meyer, RING, 2009, reduction fired stoneware, 14 x 22 x 26 inches, Lent by the artists; Kenneth Baskin, Scott Meyer, Michael Rogers, Beaker and Bird, 2013, beaker: anagama fired, bird: cast glass, and base: mid fired stoneware, 26 x 32 x 8 inches, Lent by the artists
All of these artists have well-established and distinctive approaches and are able to bring a unique perspective to their art.
Organizer
Organized by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama.
Sponsor
Support for this exhibition was provided in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts with additional support provided by sponsors Linda and Todd Strange.