Opening Reception May 5, 2023
6 to 9pm
Ming Toy Gallery

My masks are unbound: literary allusions, religious icons, elements of pop culture and even humor often accent these works. I have made masks from early on in my career. At one time, they evoked ideas of the primitive or elements of the sea, or even the darkness of the human spirit. Today, many of them touch on similar themes. However, they have evolved into explorations of morality, race, music, modern media and more. As such they address, sometimes inadequately, my concerns about current day struggles. They are indeed masks, but, oddly enough, are intended to serve as a metaphor for facing problems, not hiding from them. A paradox, I know. Often, I do integrate teapots and teacups on these face sculptures. No surprise, since I’m a potter. But people often do ask. For me, the sharing of tea suggests a communion with others, a mulling over of ideas: and, of course, tea and teapots have had a long and historical significance to potters. A quiet nod to those who have lived that tradition.

John Dennison