Lauren Hanson - 2020 Exhibition
"Natural Wonders"
"Just when we need some saving grace and solace in these challenging times, Lauren Hanson has produced a body of work which inspires and informs us of a better time and place. These new pieces speak about the wonder of nature and the beauty of traditional art. Her view of nature is an intimate one, conjuring up moments of tenderness and vulnerability as well as images of strength and power. If knowledge is power, feelings and emotions may be the saving grace of our humanity. Lauren makes the most of both knowledge and emotion in her work.
Her curiosity and research into an idea then becomes a journey of discovery which embraces historical art and current themes.
Aside from her extensive research and technical expertise which go into the ceramic presentations, her work displays an emotional honesty and human sensitivity which elevates us in a most endearing way. The integration of ceramic forms and visual story telling draws us into her world of wonder.
What I feel most about her work is an uncompromising artistic integrity which lends itself to her own artistic voice, a voice which speaks clearly from the heart, with strength and tenderness."
- Dane Venaas
Collaborator on many of Lauren Hanson's larger pieces,
Professional Potter, and UCSB Ceramic Instructor with 40 years of experience
If you wish to purchase a piece in the exhibition, please call us at (805) 646-3381. |
Animal and Bird Jars
Most of the animals in this series are sleeping. A sleeping animal is such a dear and vulnerable image. To me this speaks to the vulnerability of animals in today's world.
There is something troubling, like a hawk, in most of the animal dream pieces.
Fox Dreams (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 7.5" x 6.5" | $175. |
Bunny Dreams (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 7" x 5" | $225. |
Giraffe Dreams (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 12" x 6.5" | $400. |
Red Panda Jar (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 12" x 8.5" | $300. |
The Last Great Auk (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 10" x 7" | $175. |
Sgraffito Bunny Jar (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 6.25" x 5.5" | $200. |
Porcelain Bunny Dreams (SOLD)
Porcelain | 7" x 5.5" | $185.
Animal Plates
These plates may also be wall mounted.
Bunny Sleep (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 1.5" x 10" | $300. |
Fox Sleep (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 1.5" x 10" | $300. |
The Tree Vase Series
The tree vases are inspired in part by the Arts and Crafts Era tree vases. The form of Aspen Vase and the Eucalyptus Vase suggests a tree trunk. The Oak Pot and Olive Jar are designed in a folk art style, with the leaves and fruit greatly enlarged.
Aspen Vase (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 15" x 6.5" | $400. |
Eucalyptus Vase
Salt-fired stoneware | 14.5" x 6" | $400. |
Valley Oak Pot (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 17.5" x 13" | $550.
Shaggy Palms Vase
Salt-fired stoneware | 23.5" x 11" | $900. |
Warm Wind Vase (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 19.5" x 9" | $500. |
Olive Jar (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 23" x 14" | $1,000.
Polished Porcelain
Polished Matilijas (SOLD)
Polished porcelain
| 8.5" x 7.5" | $300.
Polished Porcelain Weed Vases
Left to right: Wild Morning Glory $125., Prickly Lettuce $175., Dandelion (SOLD) $175.,
Thistle $175., and Sour Grass (SOLD) $125.
Porcelain polished on the outside, glazed on the inside |
5" to 11" high
Weed Pots are a traditional form for potters since the 1960s. They are small vases with narrow openings designed to hold a sprig from nature that you might find on a walk or your child might bring to you. These are polished porcelain, unglazed on the outside, with etched images of our local "weeds".
They also make good bud vases.
The Celadons
Celadon, a semi-transparent glaze originating in China, is a light blue or light green glaze that plays up and enhances shallow carving on porcelain. The Chinese loved the green celadon for its similarity to jade. The word "celadon" can also be used for pieces coated in the glaze.
Cloud Ring Bottle (SOLD)
Porcelain | 12" x 8" | $275. |
Green Lotus Vase (SOLD)
Thrown by Dane Venaas
Porcelain | 14.5" x 7" | $300. |
Cloud Saki Set (SOLD)
Porcelain | Saki bottle is 8" x 3.5" | $120.
Pigeon Stem Vase (SOLD)
Stoneware with porcelain slip (each side is shown) | 8" x 6" | $125.
Celadon Weeping Trees
The Weeping Trees vases are wheel thrown then altered from the round to reflect the forms of the trees themselves. (Each side is shown.)
Weeping Eucalyptus (SOLD)
Porcelain | 17" x 8.5" | $400.
Weeping Pepper Tree
Porcelain | 14.5" x 10" | $400.
Robins in Weeping Willow
Porcelain | 16" x 7.5" | $350.
Asian Art Riff Tea Bowls
(Each side is shown)
Chrysanthemum and Iris (SOLD)
Porcelain | 4" x 4.25" | $60.
Birds and Clouds (SOLD)
Porcelain | 4.25" x 4.25" | $60.
Birds and Persimmons (SOLD)
Porcelain | 4" x 4" | $60.
Cypress Tree and Cherry Blossoms (SOLD)
Porcelain | 4.25" x 4.25" | $60.
Morning Glories (SOLD)
Porcelain | 3.25" high | $60.
Butterfly (SOLD)
Porcelain | 3.25" high | $60.
Faceted Tea Bowl (SOLD)
Porcelain
| 3-1/8" high | $60.
Chrysanthemum and Morning Glories (SOLD)
Porcelain | 4" x 3.5" | $60.
Chrysanthemum and Butterfly (SOLD)
Porcelain | 3.5" x 4.5" | $60.
Peonies and Japanese Pattern (SOLD)
Porcelain | 4.75" x 3.5" | $60.
Birds in the Wisteria (SOLD)
Porcelain | 4.5" x 3.5" | $60.
Asian Art Riff Bowls
(Each side is shown)
Cloud Bowl (SOLD)
Porcelain | 4.5" x 9" | $200.
Small Lotus Bowl (SOLD)
(Can also be used as a tea bowl)
Porcelain | 2-1/8" x 5" | $60.
Small Chrysanthemum Peony Bowl (SOLD)
(Can also be used as a tea bowl)
Porcelain | 2-1/8" x 5" | $60.
Mt. Fuji and Bamboo Bowl (SOLD)
(Small bowl that can also be used as a tea bowl)
Porcelain | 2.5" x 4-5/8" | $60.
Asian Art Riff Goblets
(Each side of the goblet pair is shown below)
Asian Art Riff Goblet Pair (SOLD)
Porcelain
| Approx. 5.5" |
$120. for the pair
Blue Willow
Blue Willow is a Chinoiserie pattern used on china beginning in 18th century England. It remains popular to this day. The elements of the design, such as the pair of doves, the willow tree, the bridge, a little boat, an island and Chinese buildings, evolved into a fairy tale with various versions.
In my family there was a large Blue Willow platter that was used only for special occasions. I did not know the fairy tale, but I was fascinated by the elements of it and probably came up with my own stories.
In this series I have attempted to be playful with the Blue Willow imagery and captured some of my childhood delight in it. (Each side of most pieces below is shown.)
Blue Willow Dragon Cookie Jar (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 8.5" x 8.5" | $300.
Blue Willow Panda Cookie Jar (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 9" x 7.5" | $300.
The Bridge (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 5" high | $70.
Pagoda (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 4.5" high | $70.
The Boat (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 4.5" high | $70.
The Boat 2 (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 5.5" high | $70.
Pair of Doves (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 4.25" high | $70.
The Trees (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 4.25" high | $70.
Blue Willow Jar (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 10" x 7" | $250.
Other Works by the Artist
(Each side is shown.)
Minoan Spirit (SOLD)
Thrown by Dane Venaas
Salt-fired stoneware | 17.5" x 13.5" | $500.
Mermaid Ring Pitcher (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 12" x 10" x 3" | $300.
Afghan Eyes
Salt-fired stoneware | 13" x 9" | $300.
Driving Rights Car Mugs
The following two mugs are for the car. They are inspired by the change in the laws in Saudi Arabia that now allow women to drive. The patterns are from Arab mehndi (henna skin painting) that women adorn themselves with before weddings.
Driving Rights 1 - Car Mug (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware with gold luster | 5.5" x 5.5" | $65.
(Both sides of mug are shown)
Driving Rights 2 - Car Mug (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware with gold luster | 5.75" x 5.5" | $65.
(Both sides of mug are shown)
Pilgrim's Flask (SOLD)
Salt-fired stoneware | 10" x 8" | $250.
Animals of the Nile III (SOLD)
(Three sides are shown)
Salt-fired stoneware
| 21.5" h x 9" dia
| $550.
Mermaid Fountain (SOLD)
Collaboration with Dane Venaas
Stoneware | 36" x 11" |
$1200.
The names of the birds are inscribed on the bottom of each mug.
There is a bird on each side, usually a male and a female (each side of mug is shown below).
Salt-fired stoneware | Approx. 4.75" and 5.25" high. | $60. each
Dark-Eyed Junco Mug (SOLD)
Spotted Towhee Mug (SOLD)
The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is Open to the Public
Fri, Sat, & Sun 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.
8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Ojai, CA 93023
805.646.3381
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