Red Spiral Vase

Jim Connell

stoneware

11 3/4" Diameter x 12 1/4" H

Unwaveringly daring and effortlessly elegant, this pot by Jim Connell speaks for itself. Informed by dynastic Chinese ceramic practices, Connell interprets Tang Dynasty and Yixing pottery styles into his work, creating pieces that lie in the intersection of beauty, function, elegance, and risk. The swirling motions across the pot's body evoke a sense of organic movement-like that of water-but the color of rust and red allows the vase to diverge from the naturalistic to the realm of the abstract-an evocation of the surreal and impossible. There is an ethereal quality to this vase, and surely this piece is meant for the home of the thinker or the academic-a vessel of contemplation, mystery, and timelessness.

Artist Statement

"I strive for beauty and elegance in my pieces. On my very best days in the studio I get glimpses of it and it keeps me going. It is all about that eternal elusive quest for beauty.

My work is inspired by nature and guided by historical precedent. I was taught, and, now I teach my students, to look to the past for ideas and inspiration. I have always looked to China for my main source of inspiration. My love of Chinese ceramics was originally centered on the work of the Sung Dynasty. I deeply admired the great porcelain pieces of this period and they profoundly affected my understanding of form and proportion.

Artist Biography

Jim has been an active studio artist for over twenty years. After finishing his BFA in ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1982, he continued on and received his Masters in 1984 from the University of Illinois. He says, "I strive for beauty and elegance in my pieces. On my very best days in the studio I get glimpses of it and it keeps me going. It is all about that eternal elusive quest for beauty."

From the collection of Arlene and Bernard Solomon

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.

Ice Cream Package & Gift Card

Raffle Tickets Are Available In-Person Only

Retail Value: $225.00

When is it not a good day for ice cream? We know you have a sweet tooth - so indulge yourself with raffle that includes three pint cards that you can redeem for any flavor your heart desires. Enjoy your Jeni's ice cream in a pair of Clarissa Eck bowls and some fancy ice cream spoons. Also included is a Jeni's recipe book for creating more amazing ice cream treats. ENJOY!

Please note - the ice cream bowls are NOT safe for the microwave.

Artist Biography

Clarissa Eck came to pottery after earning her BFA in Illustration and Graphic Design at Pratt Institute. Her clay journey began at The Clay Studio fueled by an energetic curiosity. She was a member of the Work Exchange Artist Program and recently joined the Associate Artists, and currently makes her artwork at The Clay Studio. Clarissa creates illustrated pottery that integrates animal messengers, ancient plant knowledge and hermetic symbolism-to stir the depths of the spirit.

Donated by Artist - Clarisssa Eck

• All winning bids are paid in full before artwork leaves The Clay Studio. Winning Bids are automatically billed at the close of the Auction at 10:30 pm.
• Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.
• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• Items with alcohol CANNOT be shipped.