Ceramic artist Sharon Brush draws on a broad spectrum of inspirations in her "Sharon Brush: Emergence" solo show at Artspace 116.
Plant forms, seeds and seedlings are dominant factors while Asian, African and Mesoamerican roots are also in play.
Brush expresses the fecund and writhing nature of botanical growth in a slightly disturbing way. The essence of nature's living energy can be viewed as a gasping, grasping and tenacious force that compels self-realization.
Brush's sculptural pottery is reminiscent of a collection of drawings that a friend showed me in Seattle years ago. The beautifully rendered images of complete plants included the flowers, leaves, stems and root systems.
My friend's collection consisted of startling imagery drawn by a schizophrenic who depicted nature as an angry consuming force.
Though Brush may not view nature as a scary phenomena her work is still a bit creepy crawly as well as beautifully crafted.
In related works like "Second Source" and "Phoenix Moon" Brush uses the same basic forms to express quite different messages. In "Second Source" the central vessel form is embellished with spermlike motif. In the center an emerging bud form does not rise above the leaf shape sides of the vessel. The earthen tones help ground the piece.
In contrast "Phoenix Moon" has a smaller leaf-shaped vessel colored in dark silver gray with its central bud form rising far above the less massive vessel. The overall effect is uniquely nocturnal with feminine overtones.
Brush does not depart from plant forms in "Samovar" but the round vase form that combines a footed bowl with a removable upper section relates more to near Eastern sources than her Far East Asian-inspired pieces.
Most of Brush's works are made up of a number of parts that can be separated. Each part stands on its own as a complete form. When combined the whole exceeds the sum of its parts.
This is one of the most exciting ceramic shows I've seen lately.
WHAT: Sharon Brush: "Emerging," 26 ceramic works
WHEN: Through Friday, March 2. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Call 245-4200.
WHERE: Artspace 116, 116 Central SW, Suite 201.
HOW MUCH: Free
