Student Exhibition: Responding To... Contemporary Clay

Works by young adult potters from Bodanna Studio & Gallery and The Hotchkiss School

January 12 – 20, 2007

These images represent the culmination of a three-month-long partnership between Japan Society and young adult potters at Bodanna Studio & Gallery on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. Potters in Bodanna Studio & Gallery’s second-year Associate Apprentice program and The Hotchkiss School’s Advanced Ceramics class explored the methods, history and present practices of Japanese ceramics via study of the artwork in Japan Society Gallery’s exhibition Contemporary Clay: Japanese Ceramics for the New Century, and associated lectures, readings and visits to artists' studios.

Photographs of Student Work

Rosemerry Perez
Enveloped Vase


My piece was influenced by a stoneware vase made by Kuriki Tatsusuke from Seto, Japan. I responded to the form of this piece and the unusual, constricted opening at the top of the vase. I created a similar form and used a carving technique that I am currently applying to many of my thrown pieces. I love the surface texture this carving creates and its ability to make the viewer want to handle and feel the piece.



Trevor Carlisle

Ceramics, especially wheel throwing has always been fascinating to me. The rich history, along with the capability to manipulate a ball of clay into forms ranging from practical to extraordinary is what is most appealing. Studying ceramics at Hotchkiss has not only educated me about how to craft ceramic ware, but my teacher, Ms. Coan, through the field trips to various art museums, has taught me much about the history of pottery.


Luke Rahlson

I started taking ceramics at Hotchkiss because I can’t draw and art is required for graduation. Ceramics became my mental health. I found myself throwing pots every night. Despite my hectic life of grades and deadlines and athletics I always can somehow make time for the wheel. When I throw a pot I don’t have to think about anything else. There is no pressure from a coach to do well, no pressure from a teacher, no pressure from my parents. All that Matters while I’m on the wheel is how I think the pot should come out and how the clay works through my fingers.


Chase Delano

My interest in ceramics began to develop after I took a class with my father over the summer a few years ago. Over the years, my interest in working with clay, especially throwing on the wheel, has only grown since I’ve been able to see the work of professional potters who prove that there is always something new to learn about clay, whether it be shape, size, glaze, etc. I’m most intrigued by the various forms that a single body of clay is able to take shape of and my primary goal in the future is to continue pushing the limits of the flexibility of clay.


Joanna L. Carrero
Topaz Bowl


The piece in the Contemporary Clay exhibit that influenced me was Koike Shōko’s Shell Vessel. Shōko’s ability to combine rough texture with a delicately curved line to create a successful piece is inspiring to me.


I have always found contrast to be an interesting and beautiful attribute in any object of art, and that is what I have tried to convey in my piece. Combining the beauty of a rough, dark, heavily textured surface with a smooth and delicate surface intensifies the beauty in both.

Louis Mitchell
大と小

The title of my sculptures translates in English to ‘big and small’, describing the relationship between these two pieces. The style of this set was inspired by two ceramic forms, one called "Disappearing Jar" by Yamada Hikaru and a work by Wada Morihiro. What I like most about this set is how they were inspired by two different forms, but do not resemble either one. I also like how different they are from previous works I have created. Working on this set has given me ideas for future clay projects.


Vanessa Medina
Mariposa y la flor maravillosa

"Yo soy la mariposa y la flor es mi hogar"

After viewing the stoneware sculpture titled "No Sound C" by Hayashi Yasuo I was Inspired to create this piece. It is a silhouette I call 'The Butterfly and the Marvelous Flower'. This piece signifies many things to me, above most this piece is about weakness, strength, growth, and transition.


Emily Aftel

I have always had a strong passion for all things ceramic. When I was in elementary school I took pottery classes. When I first came to Hotchkiss my love and admiration of ceramics became fully active. I find working with clay a great release and a relaxing experience. My teacher, Ms. Coan, has given me a great foundation and wisdom into the ceramic world, instilling in me her love and passion for the art.


Brandon Hew

Three years ago, having no previous knowledge or experience with clay, I walked into the ceramics studio. Since then, the journey through the world of clay has been unforgettable and has brought out an artistic side of me I never knew. I have had the extraordinary opportunity to explore various clay types, glazes, and firings. This past year I have been given freedom to experiment with different forms and bodies which I have greatly enjoyed. This freedom has led me to my pieces for this show. I would like to thank Keiko Ashida for her demonstration back in the fall of 2006 which inspired me to try making bottles. Since the demonstration, bottles have become one of my favorite forms to throw. Once again I would like to thank Keiko Ashida for offering her time and knowledge, which inspired my pieces here.