Charles Smith

Mobile, Alabama

Title: Black Africa

Year of Creation: 2006

Glaze: Transparent gloss glaze

Clay Body: Raku clay

Dimensions: Height 6 inches, Width 9.5 inches

Artist's Statement: Smith said he is always attentive to the technical aspects of clay and glazes considering their limitation, and at the same time, employing the unimagined possibilities they hold. His forms are classic, and his glazes are sophisticated in color and application.

Charles uses cone 7 stoneware and decorates each piece using a carved-and-sgraffito technique. The style is derived from realistic and Art Nouveau forms, mixed with and interspersed with abstract animal imagery.

While the size and shape of each piece is unique, it is - and always has been - the hand-carved surface that distinguished his work. Designs used today originated in design elements first explored in the late 1970's. "They are the shapes and patterns of nature, and until Mother Nature finds it necessary to rediscover herself, I'll remain content following her lead."