Event Details

Since the early 1990's Joe's studio practice has been concerned with the production of functional pottery. His pots were created to be experienced not only visually, but also physically, and thus they fostered a multi-faceted, sensual experience capable of expressing a curiosity in the richness, beauty and diversity of human life.

This current body of work offers a distinct departure from his former traditional approach to pottery form and function. With these pieces he questions his own preconceived notions of utilitarian pots: How do the vessels work? How do they relate to the body and fit in the hand? What is it like to touch and hold these pieces? How do the surfaces contribute to the level of curiosity in the user? How do the pieces add to the age-old tradition of pottery making? These are among the questions that he continually asks himself as he works.

The allure of these new pots is in their provocative forms and rich surfaces. They offer a uniquely seductive, tactile experience. Inasmuch as these pots beckon to be touched, explored and coddled, they are fondling objects – pieces that cannot be fully comprehended without the physical participation of the viewer/user. They are intended to arouse desire and inspire physical inquiry and interaction.

"...I fill the cup and hold it by the plump foot. It will start to warm, momentarily. There's no handle, so I hold the pot close to my body, feeling the heat as I roll it across my belly. Fingers caress the curves of the cup, finding the hip and discovering the soft interior of the foot. Bringing the cup close to my face, I release a breath into the pot in anticipation of a sultry exchange... "

Joe Davis