Opposite Styles Become One This Weekend at Clay Art Center

There are those who say opposites attract.

Clay makers (and partners) Shoko Teruyama and Matt Kelleher will prove the same can be said for art as well, as they show how varying ceramic styles—Shoko prefers zany narratives while Kelleher favors simpler structures—can work together in a collaborative art show and as a married couple.

They will then show that a common balance can be found at this Saturday’s opening of their joint exhibition, Where We Agree at Clay Art Center.

From 6-8 p.m., viewers will be introduced to the individual motivations of each ceramicist and later get a feel for the compromises made when the couple fused their different talents together.

On her own, Shoko’s work is focused on tradition and her own memories of growing up in Japan. Her work is also highly decorative, which suggests her affinity for ornamentation.

A circular blue and lavender-colored piece she will bring to this weekend’s show exemplifies her strong attention to detail.

“I have created motifs called vine patterns to lead your eye around the work,” she said.

Functioning more as a structure to be admired from a dining room or bed table than for everyday use, a bird can also be found perched in the upper corner.

Patrons looking closely may notice birds frequently appear in this artist’s work. This was no accident. For Shoko, her sense of freedom is representated by this particular animal.

“Birds appear throughout my work to create focal points.  Some birds swim in the motion of slip and fly around the vine patterns.  Others are walking or sitting in thought,” she added.

Kelleher, on the other hand, guides creations he hopes will serve an everyday purpose.

This can be seen in the beige-toned teapot he plans to exhibit this weekend. Sturdy in appearance and neutral in color, the piece is simple enough to resemble something one may find in a kitchen cabinet.

“I develop my form by considering the requirements of utility,” said the potter from Madison County, North Carolina.

So what happens when they decide to make a few pieces as one?

Shoko and Matt built what appears to be an otherwise ordinary teapot, but with the intricately detailed eyes and nose of an owl found along the side. It’s apparent that the base structure was built by the utilitarian hands by Kelleher and was met with the focus on ornamentation by Teruyama.

Shoko and Matt will lead a one-day workshop entitled From Start to Finish on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more details, contact www.clayartcenter.org

The joint exhibition will be on display from Saturday, June 18- July 16.