It is interesting that whenever the figurative
sculpture created by Jack Earl are critiqued in books and professional
journals, the writers can not help but employ humor and a homespun
vocabulary. This literally speaks volumes about what Jack Earl contributes
to the fine arts world. Jack Earl (born 1934) is an Ohio artist
who ventured out of Ohio long enough to teach at Virginia Commonwealth
University, but otherwise was educated (Bluffton College and O.S.U.)
and taught (Toledo Museum of Art) in his home state.
Jack
Earl (American, b. 1934), "Come for all things are ready,"
ceramic, wood, oil paint, Collection of the Artist
Jack Earl has been described as "a storyteller
in clay" with "His sculptures depicting everyday life" revealing
"careful observation and keen wit." (Angela Gallia, March 1999,
Ceramics Monthly, p. 49) On the book jacket of Lee Nordness's captivating
book about Jack Earl, which truly is difficult to put down, it is
noted that this book (Jack Earl: The Genesis and Triumphant Survival
of an Underground Ohio Artist, Perimeter Press, 1985) is the "story
of the survival of a boondocks artist possessing more talent and heart
and humor than he even today knows what to do with."
This special exhibition at the International
Museum of Ceramic Art will feature approximately fourteen current
works. In fact the work is so current, it is not possible to describe
here, as the work has yet to be created. With your curiosity peaked,
we hope you will plan to attend the opening reception (the artist
will be present). Although yet unknown, we can hope that his exhibition
in Alfred will include a few of his dos-à-dos or back-to-back
ceramic sculpture, with the two discreet sides seemingly unrelated.