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Roxbury artist Kirsten Larsen Fredericks displays her creative transformation of natural forms into unique bowls, vases and other ceramic works in her new exhibition titled "A Natural Reaction," continuing to Jan. 15 at the Good News Cafe and Gallery.
Fredericks received a bachelor's degree in art education at Southern Connecticut State University and began her artistic journey with clay as a student in wheel-throwing, hand-building and Raku with the noted ceramic artist Mary Lou Alberetti. She continues to develop her skills and knowledge of throwing and glazing techniques as a member of the Washington (Conn.) Art Association.
Fredericks, who resides in Roxbury with her husband Carl and sons Aric, Skyler and Sawyer, said she draws inspiration for her artistic work in the forms and patterns she observes while gardening and exploring the natural world with her family. Her observations of rock formations and river water pools during a recent hike through the gorge at Watkin's Glen State Park in New York, she noted, have become the catalyst for her new "Watershed" series of ceramic works. Her young sons frequently contribute to her creative process, she added.
"Bracket fungi specially gathered by my children translate into clay as lyrical, fluid forms carved with concentric rings," she observed. "Fungi bowls, like their inspiration, are social creatures and look stunning nestled in clusters of all shapes and sizes."
"These pieces rarely are fully planned in advance," Fredericks said. "Rather, I embrace each step of the process, allowing the clay to guide me as the forms evolve. The stoneware bowls begin as wheel-thrown forms, which are then hand-shaped, carved and selectively burnished."
In addition to her uniquely fashioned bowls, the Roxbury artist's works include a wide variety of vases as well as tiles, cabinet knobs and other ceramic works. She uses food-grade glazes "to enhance the carved forms while providing exciting color and contrast," she said. "The results are interrelated forms that are both visually dynamic and pleasing to touch."
Fredericks previously has shown her ceramic works at the Washington Art Association, the Brookfield Craft Center and the Regional Hospice Charity Arts Festival in Connecticut. She participated in the "Artist at Work" show this October at the Jewish Community Center in Sherman, and has just completed an exhibition during November at the White Silo Winery and Gallery in Sherman.
Additional information about the artist and images of her works can be obtained at Fredericks' website at www.klfclayworks.net.
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