ALAN SCHWARTZ
Vessel by Alan Schwartz |
For this show, Stephanie teamed up with ceramist Alan Schwartz, who uses
'alael to build wonderful vessels and other pieces. Alaea is the Hawaiian
word for the beautiful red earth used by Hawaiians in sacred ceremonies,
for medicinal uses, to make dyes for art and decoration, and even for
salt and food preparation.
He says, "The desire to incorporate ‘alaea into my ceramic
work first began with a visit to Hawaii in 1993. As soon as I set foot
on Maui, I was instantly intrigued by the possibilities of working with
this incredible red colored earth. At that time, I was a student of art
and ceramics at the University of Western Washington but working with
local clays and cultures through an exchange program at the University
of New Mexico. Little did I know, those first experiments in 1993 with
Hawaiian ‘alaea was the beginning of a long journey that would lead
me to this body of work you see today.
A few years after that first visit, I moved back to Maui and began researching
local ceramic artists, curious why no one had achieved the surfaces I
was interested in making. I soon learned that using ‘alaea was not
so easy, “it’s difficult to work with,” was the common
response by local potters. So, it would seem, my idea to create an authentic
and natural surface using only the red ‘alaea would prove to be
more of a challenge than I expected.
This new challenge suited me just fine because my passion in ceramics
has always revolved around the endless opportunity to experiment with
the natural materials that surround me. I’ve always enjoyed the
challenge of new discovery and the idea of creating new techniques with
local resources. Using local clays and firing with local fuels such as
wood and leaves, is after all, the very essence of pottery.
Over the last several years on Maui, I’ve evolved through may different
ceramic styles. Various raku techniques, ash glazes, stoneware, and smoke
firings. Nonetheless, I’ve always continued to experiment with the
‘alaea, trying different methods and firing techniques. No experiments
really resulted in anything very interesting but I always continued to
try, but more importantly would learn from each failed attempt.
My ambitions throughout the years was to not just successfully use ‘alaea
in my ceramics but to create a surface that was spectacular. A surface
consisting of exotic colors, smoke patterns, and one that was natural
but most of all Hawaiian. Finally, I’m proud to say that for the
first time I’ve successfully created a new and exciting body of
work using the beautiful fired ‘alaea.
To each piece, I apply ‘alaea on the surface then polish by hand
until it is shiny and smooth. The work is then smoke fired in an outdoor
pit with local leaves and wood for approximately three days. The fire
and smoke give the work its rhythmic ebb and flow patterns. The orange
variations of color on the surface is 100% natural ‘alaea.
My hope with this work is not just have you view and enjoy the physical
forms themselves, but to recognize and appreciate that this pottery is
made incorporating rare Hawaiian materials. Most of all, I just want you
to know that the spirit of ceramic discovery in Hawaii is alive and well."
