January 18th - March 12th, 2008

"Back From China”

After three exciting trips to China, mid-western artist, Gary Erickson returns with new ceramic work drawn from his Eastern exposure.

Erickson’s new series of porcelains called “The Sacred Way” is named after the carved stone animals and figures leading to the Ming tombs outside Beijing.  A Macalester College professor and NCECA standout, Erickson, pays tribute to the history of ceramic arts and the rich porcelain traditions in China in each of his original sculptures. 

Like the artist’s earlier body of work, this new work explores the imagery of natural forms, in this case the lotus flower, long a potent symbol of purity and creative power in Chinese art.  Erickson worked and taught in Jingdezhen, a city known as the center of clay, including its vast studios producing the famous “blue & white” “china” exported around the globe.  He began slip-casting porcelain and experimenting with the lacy blue & white underglaze decals of Buddhas, dragons and chrysanthemums on his pure white lotus pods.

Erickson also returned to make stunning tiles impressed with maple and ginkgo leaves drenched in watery glazes. The results of his Eastern exposure are a travel log of beautiful artworks and a fruitful cultural exchange.

Inspired by the upcoming multi-media exhibition at Mass Moca called “Eastern Standard – Western Artists in China” cross mackenzie ceramic arts is pleased to present this one person clay show.