Exhibit Utilizes Clay to Emulate Nature's Beauty

Clay-maker Jordann Siri Wood has a simple goal—to remind viewers of the beauty of nature.

The nature-inspired pieces of her solo exhibition, "Fresh Cut" have greeted local art lovers at the Clay Art Center for the past month, where the artist's work has been on display.

When the gallery opened, art devotees came to take a first glance at the collection and were immediately engaged by its vibrant style. It's clear from looking at the installment that Wood is fond of big, bold designs.

"It struck me how different [her work] was from anything I'd seen," said program director Leigh Mickelson.

Wood said her inspiration was simple – she wanted to create floral decorations that wouldn't wilt away in a few days.

"Flowers don't last—I wanted to make ones that did," she said.

As a child who loved girlish traditions like making crafts and dressing up in her mother's 20th century costume jewelry, the potter said her tastes remain the same as an adult.

That fondness has fueled her attraction to what she calls, "the whole glamour thing."

 "Looking for pleasant things is important to me—I want people to love and appreciate beauty," said the artist.

The self-proclaimed "sucker for theatrics and lots of shimmer" adorned the walls with elements derived from different materials—spray paint, a glaze, and even molds of objects she found at her local Goodwill.

The "Bell Bundle," which depicts a glazed yellow mass of bulbs attached to blue leaves, is just one of the items compiled from a melting pot of media.

Wood, who also has experience in the flower industry outside of her artistic partnership, added that the process was even somewhat controversial in the art world because a lot of artists don't combine paint and glaze together. Adding to the individuality of the work, the end resulted in a soft sheen, with even a little glitter thrown in to add some spice.

"It's a special [collection of] work. It's unique, thoughtful and mature as the work itself," said Mickelson.

You don't need an art degree to appreciate the piece. Unlike many other artists, Wood doesn't ascribe deep inner meanings to her work. Rather, she said, she hopes viewers simply take notice of beauty in daily life.

Ariel Plantz, a children's ceramics teacher at Clay Art Center, said that simplicity makes it easy for the center's young artists to understand.

"They don't understand [the more complex principles]—but they can say what they like about it."

Appreciating beauty is universal, regardless of age, and young potters are drawing their own inspiration from Wood's art.

"Now," Plantz said, "they're making their own pieces inspired by her work."

The solo exhibition by Jordann Siri Wood is available for viewing in the Choy Gallery at Clay Art Center, and is set to pack up Saturday, October 23.

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