November 2018: Sally Squire

Sally Squire focuses on ceramics for this show chiefly due to its sensuous nature. "So much of my early work was a result of bringing many disparate pieces together to create something entirely new….the sum of the parts. I find myself caressing the clay into fragile forms. This sensual and very personal process is fascinating, and I believe it has been a natural progression as I have grown comfortable in my art and my calling as an artist. In 2017, I found myself influenced by “fire” and created the smoked print series.  That influence carries on in this show. I am intrigued by the ability to capture smoke, which is so transitory and fleeting, and marry it to the cool, smooth surface of porcelain. It’s ethereal nature and the tension between light and dark. The porcelain clay that I work with is imbued with paper fibers. During the firing process, the paper fibers are burned out, allowing me to create light and space; to create delicate, otherworldly pieces.  The focal piece of my show if a hanging piece I call “Roberta”. As I began “Roberta”, I was starting to work through my grief and sadness, creating the flowers that my friend so loved. When I was finally finished, the piece included nearly 600 blossoms.  I like to think that this piece is my final tribute to our long-time friendship.  My show with Guardino Gallery is dedicated to my friend Roberta."