BRATTLEBORO — “Scale and Presence,” an exhibit of large scale ceramics on display at Mitchell-Giddings Fine Arts, 183 Main St., through April 26, highlights a new body of work by Brattleboro artist Stephen Procter.
Known for the disciplined lines and unglazed surfaces of his historically-inspired monumental vessels, Procter's more recent work revels in the sensuality of curves and the painterly effects of layered glazes.
Whether austere or exuberant, these vessels transcend the usual experience of pottery and broach the realm of sculpture, according to a news release. Alongside human-sized vessels, “Scale and Presence” will introduce a series of smaller pieces and nontraditional shapes including colorful wall pieces, called “orphan lids.”
The process of creating these vessels resembles making music for Procter, who is also a musician.
“Leonardo Da Vinci described music as 'shaping the invisible'” says Stephen. “In my previous profession as a classical guitarist, I spun those shapes out in time. Now, sitting at the potter's wheel, I spin them out in space. The musician and the potter work with essentially the same elements: repetition and contrast, tension and release, harmony and dissonance, movement and stasis. Above all, both are concerned with finding and rendering the beautiful line.“
The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.