Los Angeles, a city of artists: Spotlight on Ceramics – Tracy Do

Clay is Here to Stay

Did you know that in recent years Los Angeles became a Ceramics Mecca? There are so many local artists working in the medium today, and many of them are truly exceptional. The LA Times weighed on the phenomenon the other day, proposing that it is the prevalence of the digital in our everyday’s lives that contributed to the resurgence of interest in ceramics, a craft that is sensory and filled with touch.

Two New Ceramic Biennials

Another sign that ceramics are “hot” right now is two LA museums recently announcing ceramic biennials, following the footsteps of the Scripps College Ceramic Annual which has been running for full 74 years. We look forward to seeing ceramic works in CAFAM’s new biennial, “Melting Point: Movements in Contemporary Clay.” The other biennial, also steamily titled “Fahrenheit,” will be launched by the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona.

Art in Your Home

We are delighted that Los Angeles ceramics landscape is expanding – because what’s better than a collection of beautiful ceramic objects to adorn one’s home? A great aspect of the medium is that it combines both functionality and aesthetics, which means you can find something that’s practical and sculptural at once. With that in mind, we wanted to share some of our very favorite artists that work with clay, keep on reading to discover their beautiful work:

MORGAN PECK

Makes sculptural ceramics that are filled with whimsy and witty references to art history, from Ancient Greek amphoras to Matisse’s collages.

BEN MEDANSKY

is a talented ceramic artist whose sculptural work recalls Brutalist Architecture with a hint of Sci-Fi. Ben’s magnificent mugs are certain to make your morning coffee special every single time.

RUBY NERI

is celebrated for wonderful figurative work that is both humorous and profound.

BARI ZIPERSTEIN

Has a fluid practice that includes objects, large-scale installation, site-specific public sculpture, and a line of functional ceramics – BZippy & Co. Bari’s work often engages ideas of consumerism, propaganda, and the built environment. We love her 2018 series, Propaganda Pots, which “references 1980’s propaganda posters from former Eastern Bloc countries”.