IG: @JosephHoltzmanCeramics
josephholtzmanceramics.com

Deconstruction and Composition: Abstractions of Pottery

My thesis body of work, originally called “Frankenpots”. These “Frankenpots” are thrown forms that are cut apart and built back together into abstract expressions of pottery, originally decorated with clay stitches to accentuate the seams and giving inspiration for the name. Over the last year I have 20 of these pieces. For the thesis exhibition I wanted to highlight the best aspects of my work and show the growth and change that has happened throughout my exploration. “Hips” and “Finger” were finished at the end of 2021 and marked a turning-point in my conscious efforts to relate form and surface. “Stained” and “Skin” nicknamed “The Twins” were built simultaneously mirroring each-other, with colored clay rather than using glaze. My central thesis piece, “Pete” had to built in the largest kiln at MECA&D. At 40 inches tall, made using over 130lbs of clay, and fired to a generally unconventional temperature, with my own glaze recipes, “Pete” is full of lovely moments that perfectly display the magic of ceramics.

Bio

Joseph Holtzman is a ceramic artist born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Following an apprenticeship in North Carolina he returned to school to earn his BFA at the Maine College of Art and Design.
Holtzman throws ceramic forms, cuts them into segments and builds them together into large configurations. The constructions are reminiscent of Peter Voulkos’ Abstract Expressionist practice with the distinction of the liquid clay trailed over each seam to make stitches, or gentle blending to “heal” the vessels. His finished pieces are patches of ceramics, with a few recognizable elements that come together to make the final form.