05 Jan Jillian O’Dwyer 1/23-2/13
Reception: Friday, February 12, 5pm – 7pm
Jillian O’Dwyer will be hanging an installation of ceramic plates, “Tapestry,” for her featured artist show at the Redlands Art Association January 23rd through February 13th.
During this past October’s Downtown Redlands Art Walk, Jillian collected over 50 shoe, foot and (one) hand prints from art walk goers onto a square slab of clay. Uncontrolled by the artist, slabs of clay were distorted, completely or partially covered with prints, barely dented, ripped apart and more by the participants. After collection, Jillian determined how to best influence the final result by adding patterns, trimming parts of some squares and selecting glaze combinations. The end collaboration is, at times, unrecognizable as a shoe print.
“Tapestry” speaks to many things from popular shoe styles in Redlands to the individuals who participated. The quality and substance of the pattern on each plate shows the confidence in their step, their mood for the day and maybe even their affinity for getting dirty. These insights are reflected in each plate’s title as well as short stories that accompany many of the plates.
A closing reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, February 12th from 5 to 7 pm at the Redlands Art Association. Jillian will have clay available for those who wish to try their hand at creating their own texture patterns. Free and open to all ages!
Thank you to the Downtown Redlands Art Walk and Parliament Chocolate for hosting Jillian in October and to all of those who donated prints. This project would not have been possible without your support!
Jillian O’Dwyer is a ceramic artist who focuses mainly on highly textured, hand built, functional pieces. When she is not creating her own work she teaches hand building classes to both children and adults. Jillian is currently an instructor at AMOCA Ceramics Studio and the Redlands Art Association. Her work is exhibited at The Studio Artists’ Gallery at AMOCA, Redlands Art Association, Riverside Art Museum’s Blue Door Museum Store, Artisans Etc. and she shows at various art fairs.