The Goldmark Cultural Center’s John H. Milde Gallery is proud to present Ephemeral Folds: The Poetry of Floral Motifs and Layered Rocks, a solo exhibition featuring works by Carrollton ceramic artist Marjorie Nichols.
The exhibition features a variety of ceramic sculptures and installations that celebrate differing perspectives of floral elegance and the grandeur of geological strata.
The exhibition is on display in the Goldmark Cultural Center’s John H. Milde Gallery from 4 March 2024 to 5 April, 2024. The exhibition will be on display during the Spring Art Walk at the Goldmark Cultural Center, Saturday 23 March and Sunday 24 March.
About the Artist
Marjorie Nichols grew up in a Chicago suburb. Both parents were artists, her mother, Nancy Nichols, a ceramic artist, and her father, Al Nichols, a wood sculptor. Nancy Nichols’ work is in a permanent collection at the Corning Art Museum and AMOCA Ceramics Studio in California. Marjorie is a part time ceramic artist in Carrollton, TX. While she has worked in the field of psychology for over 42 years, she still maintains a small private practice which over the last few years has allowed her more time in the studio to work.
Marjorie has attended ceramic classes at Brookhaven’s Dallas College for 17 years. She has also taken classes at The Dallas Craft Guild. Additionally, Marjorie has attended workshops at Anderson Ranch with Val Cushings, Doug Casebeer, Allegheny Meadows, Michael Connelly, and Tara Wilson. At Brookhaven, Marjorie attended workshops by artists: Peter Beasecker, Liz Lurie, Jerilyn Virden. At the Dallas Craft Guild, she attended several workshops including Christa Assad, Deborah Schwartzkopt, Jeff Oestreich and Leah Leitson. At La Meridiana Ceramic School in Certaldo, Italy Marjorie attended a two-week intensive workshop with Donna Polseno.
About the Exhibition
Artist Statement:
As a ceramic artist of seventeen years, I find immense fascination in the fluidity of form and the captivating interplay of light and shadow. My current work is an exploration of the delicate balance between fragility and strength, drawing inspiration from the ephemeral beauty of floral motifs and the timeless allure of layered rocks. Through the manipulation of clay, I seek to encapsulate the essence of these natural elements, creating artworks that evoke emotions.
Exhibition Overview:
“Ephemeral Folds: The Poetry of Floral Motifs and Layered Rocks” features a collection of 30 – 40 pieces, 12 of them being wall installation, and features a variety of ceramic sculptures and installations that celebrate differing perspectives of floral elegance and the grandeur of geological strata. The pieces will reference my interpretation of nature’s ephemeral grace and enduring strength and how they converge in a harmonious dance.
Theme and Inspiration:
The central theme of this exhibit revolves around the captivating allure of folded forms found in the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the delicate and fleeting beauty of floral motifs and the timeless grandeur of layered rocks, my creations seek to portray the transient nature of life and the enduring essence of the Earth's geological history.
Each artwork will weave a narrative of transience and transformation, reflecting the inherent impermanence of existence, and the unyielding force that shapes the world around us. The juxtaposition of floral motifs and layered rocks serves as a metaphor for the ever-changing yet eternally constant aspects of life and nature.
Floral Motifs:
The sculptures inspired by floral motifs will explore through folds, colors, textures, and size the possibilities of flowers. While flowers only give us a fleeting glance at their elegance, these sculptures and wall installations provide us the opportunity to be present with their forms mindfully.
Layered Rocks:
The sculptures and installations inspired by layered rocks will delve into the geological wonders that have withstood the test of time. Drawing from the rugged textures and captivating stratification found in rock formations, these artworks will evoke a sense of resilience and endurance. The manipulation of clay to recreate the essence of these ancient layers will serve as a reminder of the deep history that lies beneath the Earth’s surface.
Materials and Techniques:
To achieve the intricacy and fluidity of form required for this collection, I employ a combination of hand-building and throwing. I work with a variety of clays, glazes, and raw clay bodies to create distinct visual and tactile experiences, bringing each artwork to life with subtle nuances that mirror the natural world’s intricacies.
Conclusion:
*Ephemeral Folds: The Poetry of Floral Motifs and Layered Rocks* invites viewers on a transformative journey through the ephemeral beauty of blossoms and the enduring majesty of geological strata. Through the medium of ceramic art, this exhibit seeks to stir emotions, ignite imagination, and instill a deeper appreciation for the ephemeral yet timeless wonders that surround us.