By Gary Collins/reporter
Demos, Dots & Dancers, a ceramics exhibit, is on display through Feb. 19 in the NE Campus J. Ardis Bell Library.
The pieces are the creations of Karmien Bowman, NE associate professor of art and ceramics. Demos and dots refers to the demonstration aspect of making ceramics before an audience. The dancers are the metal sculptures she created to accompany her variety of bowls.
During an ArtistTalk last week, Bowman gave a presentation on ceramics creation, making round bottom and V-shaped bowls.
“These are works that are demonstrated for different classes,” she said. “The dots are a part of the decorative treatment on the surface. The dancers are holding up the bowl and are part of the decoration design.”
Examples of Bowman’s previous combination ceramic/metal work are also on display in the library lobby. Her piece “Yeowie … Prometheus Escaping” features a tree trunk-like base holding a bronze dancer figure. “Dragging Empty Bowl IV” and “Dragging Empty Bowl II” are round bottom bowls with three metal sculptures in various poses serving as a base for holding the bowls.
With an interest in art since childhood, Bowman eventually moved from drawing into creating more challenging art through ceramic and metal work.
Bowman said she finds creative uses from everyday items such as a cake decorator, which she uses as a tool to create the slip trailing design of long circular patterns on her ceramic bowls.
Bowman said she hopes by showing her work publicly she will inspire people to take an interest in art.
