Sculptor Bob Smith believes that working with clay offers an intangible-but-real joy of creating a connection, conscious or otherwise, with a history rich and varied and human.
Bob believes that by bringing into the world an object that intentionally exists to affect other people—maybe calmly, maybe outrageously—that something wonderful happens. Silhouette and form, with a quiet contained presence, have always been his major concerns.
Bob uses the vessels he creates as his point of departure, savoring the historical connection as he works the clay. After his pieces come out of the kiln, he explores surface techniques such as air brushing, specifically applied combustibles, controlled water and air-quenching to excite his audience.
“I often think that I make pots to slow down the world,” says Bob, “and maybe to experience the sensual/tactile quality of wet clay on the wheel; and maybe to better understand life’s dichotomies and paradoxes by studying clay’s dichotomies and paradoxes; and maybe just because I have to.”
Are you interested in purchasing Bob Smith’s work? Please check out Bob Smith's art page or contact Turquoise Tortoise Gallery for more information.