Twenty-first Century Clay: The Pottery Art of Matt Jones
Pottery as a craft and art form was traditionally associated with its function in the preparation and storage of food, but in most cultures a secondary decorative language was built alongside the function. In our area, decorative pottery began to supplant the utilitarian wares in the mid twentieth century. These decorative wares were made mostly to delight the senses of the growing middle class who could afford industrially produced and preserved food. Decorative pots are for display, though some function as vases when there are fresh flowers available. A third type of pottery has emerged in North Carolina that Matt Jones calls “contemplative” pottery. As we have looked at pottery in museum contexts and created collections throughout the state, we have become comfortable looking at pots as art objects, and potters have sought to make contemporary pots that can stand as such.
The Pottery Art of Matt Jones will be on display with works for sale from June 8th, 2013 through September 22nd, 2013 in the Baker Exhibit Center and demonstration greenhouse.
This exhibit made possible in part by our Community Partners
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