Joyce Rudolph
While many of us dream of living in a perfect world, clay artist
William Calvert prefers one a little off kilter.
He's been working in clay for six years and enjoys making
asymmetrical pieces, which he describes as those that defy balance.
After throwing a near perfectly symmetrical piece, the artist tweaks
it.
This practice comes from his philosophy that nothing's perfect.
"That's what I like about people, places and things -- nothing's
perfect," he said.
The Silver Lake resident is showing his works through July 21 at
the Creative Arts Center in Burbank.
The gallery's director, Frances Santistevan of Glendale, called
him a natural to the art form because he has taken to it so quickly.
"He's really found his niche," she said. "His work is organic and
very beautiful."
His work has been so fascinating to guests coming to the arts
center, she added, that three of his pieces sold prior to the opening
reception Friday night.
For his inspiration, Calvert said, balance and weight intrigue
him. He enjoys creating pieces that look like they are going to tip.
He also plays with the eye by using a technique of folding the lip of
a vessel.
"I cave it in toward the center and air becomes trapped inside
where you are folding it back," he said. "So there is a big rounded
lip at the top."
What attracts him to the medium is the feel of the clay in his
hands, Calvert said.
"It's very tactile, soothing and, in an odd way, centering," he
said. "I find myself at peace or at angst. It's a way to take any
emotion and place it on clay."
What he's found is one never really has control of the clay.
"You can throw for five years and certain days, nothing will come
out well," he said. "You keep throwing until maybe two or three days
later something happens and you can throw again."
He compares it to learning a musical instrument -- people want to
learn it really fast but it takes time.
"You really have to learn patience with this art," he said.
Calvert said working with clay is something he's wanted to do
since he was a little kid.
"I was given the number to the Cahuenga School of Pottery, went
over and loved it," he said.
He continues to take classes and serve as a co-teacher at the
school. He has participated in group shows including "Fire and Clay"
at the Orlando Gallery. He has also had solo shows at Luna Sol and
the North Hollywood Ceramics Gallery. His work is also shown at the
Freehand Gallery in Los Angeles.
FYI
WHAT: "William Calvert Clay Artist"
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday through July 21.
WHERE: The Creative Arts Center Gallery, 1100 W. Clark Ave., in
Burbank.
ADMISSION: Free
INFO: (818) 238-5397
