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Current Exhibition
Current Exhibition
Xiem Gallery is proud to present...
NEW BEGINNINGS
Ceramic Sculpture by Ross (Rotay) Peterson |
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| When: |
March 13, 2010 - April 17, 2010
» GALLERY RECEPTION: Saturday, March 13th (6:00 - 8:00pm)
» ARTISTS TALK: Saturday, March 20th at 3:00pm
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| Where: |
Xiem Gallery
Click here for Direction and Hours
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| What: |
For the artist, this show represents considerable divergence from roads already travelled.
To his use of clay as an expressive medium, Ross Peterson brings experience in the diverse fields of
Construction, Tai Chi and Spoken word Poetry. A consummate raconteur with an unconventional background
in art, Ross got started with introductory clay classes at Xiem Clay Center and then proceeded, unaided
and unbounded, on his idiosyncratic exploration of form and content.
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| Artist Statement: |
The five interconnecting elements of Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire are ever-present.
Flowing in a continuous cycle, offering new beginnings at every stage. This ritual is beautifully illustrated in the ceramic process.
Earth as clay, absorbing all life with sincerity and returning it teaming with the new.
Metal as glazes and oxides, bringing forth complexity of structure, offering a shield like the beetle's shell.
Water allowing the earth and metals to flow effortlessly, smoothing the roughness.
Wood the ancient fuel, blossoming above the surface as its roots weave and tangle on the fabric below. It’s breath and ours, an interchanging dance of gasses.
Fire the kiln flame burns hot. To endure the fire and emerge whole is transformation.
I have had chance in this half century to sample the bitter and the sweet, and have come to fall among those who saver both equally.
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| A Brief History of the Artist |
Down to earth 1961
My first cognizant memory is flying into Kaltag Alaska on a small plane, and being greeted by the people of Kaltag in traditional Athabaskan clothing. A vision of sincerity as we descended to earth. My family was blessed with the gift of living amongst people that lived relatively unchanged in their relationship to the earth and stars for thousands of years.
Waking up to the World, 1964
The family moved to New York City and while checking out the new neighborhood, spaced out and dreamy, I was pounded directly on top of my head. I turned around and looked up to see a tall young man holding a book. He was smiling down at me with kind and purposeful eyes. I knew instantly that he was teaching me something, and like all good lessons it hurt. I learned to carry a shield.
Sea of humanity, 1964-76
My family lived in an apartment building that shared the intersection with The Jewish Theological Seminary, Julliard School of Music, Union Theological Seminary and the emergence of the Subway as it passes over 125th street. River Side Church and The International House were just up the street, the center of Harlem on one side and Columbia University on the other. Truly a sea of humanity in which I swam freely.
Returning to the roots, 1965-1975
Each summer on the spur of the moment, the family would pack up the VW bug like a well- stacked kiln, and head cross country, New York City to Fairfield Washington, where my father and favorite artist Eddie Kienholz grew up. My parents purchased land near by in Northern Idaho and we built a log home way out in the woods. The yearly journey to the forest and back each summer, traveling the connecting roads of our country, weaving together the stark contrasts of a nation as it changed throughout the years, lent fuel to social and political awakening.
Finding flames in the desert, 1976
Just before my senior year at Music and Art High school, my family moved to Tempe Arizona. In exchange for compliance in this new venture, I bargained for Tai Chi lessons. I had always been into martial arts in theory, but had found them all a bit ridiculous in their actual form. I had recently found out about Tai Chi, and was relieved that what I was looking for was out there. My father held to our bargain and found a Taoist Monk living in Phoenix, a true master who afforded me a look at the Sun within.
Alchemy and transformation, 1977-2010
My education as an Artist has come from living and working as close to true nature as possible, helping others bring their vision to life, enduring incredible hardships, making lots of mistakes and recognizing the value of all things. I have had the benefit of connecting with artists of all kinds in all walks of life, each adding dimension and richness to the alchemy pot.
I started my own family at the age of twenty one, with my wife Crystal, an accomplished dancer and choreographer. We have three great children who also dance, choreograph and build. Even though the youngest of our clan has left this earth, the magic and possibility of his life unhindered by the common place stirs us to transcend.
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