35 Years Journey in Clay

Retrospective exhibit by
Kazuko Kayasuga Matthews

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit remains through July 6
Burnett Gallery & Jacob Foyer

Gualala Arts will present a free exhibit in the Burnett Gallery and Jacob Foyer by Kazuko K. Matthews, representing the culmination of the artist's 35 years of creative exploration and achievement in the ceramic media. The opening reception is on June 14th, 2008, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and the exhibit is on display through July 6th. More about Kazuko Kayasuga Matthews

"My work as a clay artist has evolved over 30+ years. Starting out as a functional potter, my desire for ever-widening range drew me into exploration of diverse forms and searches for innovative expression. Today I work mostly with slabform construction to create my ceramic sculptures.

Born in southern California, I moved with my family to Japan as a young child. Entering adulthood, I returned to the United States to further my education. I attended Mount San Antonio College and Chouinard Art Institute, where I studied with Otto and Vivika Heino.

Following a short career in graphic design, I chose to devote all my time to ceramics. In this pursuit I continued my education at both Santa Monica College and Scripps College where I studied with Paul Soldner. I have exhibited extensively throughout the United States and in Japan, including the Los Angeles County Museum, the Renwick Gallery of Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. and Striped House Museum, Tokyo. My Japanese heritage and sensitivity provide important foundation for my work. Today, having lived in the United States for more than half my life, there is a broader fusion of the two cultures within my personal life. And as an artist, America, with her vast space and carefree atmosphere, has given me the sense of unbound freedom to explore and create. Certain things or events, whether experienced fleetingly or in a small way, bring me joy and excitement. My work is the reflection of, reliving of and restating of these feelings. The process of interpreting these feelings becomes exploration for new expression . . . each work is a new chance for another passage, another annotation. The way I juxtapose patterns and forms, with or without colors, all converge, I hope, to create my own unique expression." Visit the artist's website at KazukoMatthews.com.

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Gualala Road in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.