City Center Art Lounge, 300 Page Street, SF
Richard Urban ceramics and Hadley Northrop paintings
Artist Statements
The annual holiday show and sale of ceramic works by Richard Urban
Ritual Vessels
Ceramic mugs by Richard Urban
Since Richard takes delight in making ceramic wares for the greater Zen Center sangha, he has been making incense bowls, small altar vases, oryoki bowls, tea cups, and mugs. His main focus this past year has been in developing new forms and glazes. The work is a blend of technical knowledge learned at his full time job at Heath Ceramics in Sausalito and his having been an independent studio potter for over 15 years.
“I think making things that my dharma friends can use is a good way to bring my work and my formal Zen practice into harmony. I am glad if the things I make can enhance their own practice in whatever small way. This makes my work and practice feel quite seamless actually.”
Little Fire in the Woods by Hadley Northrop
Hadley Northrop will be showing her oil paintings of fires and lights in the night: little bonfires in the woods, caravans, glowing tents, and a Day of the Dead altar of candles.
“A long time ago in Leeds, England, I went to a most remarkable party. Outside the back door, a campfire burned in the garden. Beyond that, shining in the darkness, was another fire. It seemed as if this house were on the edge of a wood – even though we knew it not to be – and that the little fires went further down into a valley.
“The small paintings here were inspired by my memories of this magical night and my search to return to this place. Years later I found it just off Cardigan Road. A circle of charcoal still marked the spot and, strangely, a ravine runs along the backs of the row houses.”
Hadley Northrop received her BA in Art from UCLA, after which she lived and painted in England for 5 years. She now has a studio in San Francisco’s Mission district, participates in Open Studios, and regularly exhibits at City Art Gallery.
www.hadleynorthrop.blogspot.com
hadleyseanart@earthlink.net
