Fall Splendor

BIO:

Clay Formations:

In this series of sculptures, Shelley strives to strike an interplay of dynamic tension and stillness, capturing a fleeting moment of organic transformation in solid form. Elongated and undulating shapes twist and fold with a sense of fluidity that recall both the flow of water and weathering stone. Raw surfaces marked by creases and bulges, give the impression that they were shaped by years of exposure to the elements. Ambiguity is always present in the forms: they can be read as a fragment of bone, weathered bark, or a geologic formation. Inviting a multiplicity of interpretations, her work can be seen as blurring the line between artifact and the natural world. She alters the clay, converting it into a visual record of the passage of time.

The Process:

Shelley hand-builds all of her unique sculptures by using the ancient process of rolling individual clay coils. She occasionally melds them with pinch pots and slabs. It is a time intensive process that can take several weeks. This approach allows her to build complex forms without armature. The pieces are then fired in an electric kiln. They are then minimally decorated with underglazes and stains and then fired again. Fingerprints and marks are left as an artistic record.

Background:

Shelley Spira Burns was born in the city of Chicago, and was creating art from an early age, no doubt inspired by frequent visits to the Art Institute and the Contemporary Art Museum. After a successful career as a psychotherapist and executive coach, Shelley’s volunteer work in an archaeology lab proved to be a catalyst for establishing a full time art practice. Shelley has studied with leading ceramic artists in the country, and has attended numerous classes and workshops. Shelley was represented by Coastal Eddy Gallery in Laguna Beach for many year until its closing. Her sculptures have been in various shows in Seattle, Norfolk, Sonoma, and Hammerfriar Gallery in Healdsburg. One of her pieces was selected for the DiRosa Museum’s inaugural competition “True North.” Her work can be found in private collections around the country. Shelley works out of her studio in Sonoma.