A University of Arkansas math and science director fused form and function to create ceramic art that works as wonderful as it looks. Thirteen of these handcrafted ceramic containers will be on display in the lobby of the Global Campus’ Fayetteville facility (Center for Continuing Education, #2 East Center) through June 19. Display hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the exhibit is free and open to the public.
The artist, Cindy Morley, is the assistant director for the Center for Math and Science Education and the Arkansas NASA Educator Resource Center at the University of Arkansas. She began creating pottery 14 years ago with functionality as her main goal. Her work today adds decoration through carving, dual walls, texture, glazing and patterns.
“I want (people) to use it,” Morley said of her art. “I don’t want them to put it on a shelf.”
Standing in its gallery case, one of Morley’s ceramic pitchers looks as if it might have emerged from a Dr. Seuss book, since its trunk snakes upward like stacked cones, opening its mouth toward the ceiling. Other pieces resemble vases draped with ceramic lace.
“For some time now I have felt the need to push boundaries, mostly my own boundaries,” Morley said. “While I still have strong functional roots and feel that functionality and a well-crafted pot are essential, I also want to more intensely explore decoration and see what I can do with it.”
Morley said her art is something she would like to share with others, and she is currently taking classes to earn a degree in art education, which would allow her to teach at the high school level.
Morley is a member of the Association of Ceramic Enthusiasts, University of Arkansas Student Ceramics Club and the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. Her work can be seen online at http://cindymorley.deviantart.com/, and inquires to the artist can be made at cmorley@uark.edu.
from: dailyheadlines.uark.edu/15053.htm
