new year/new work: Francesc Burgos at WSG

New for 2012 at WSG Gallery is a show of recent clay work by Francesc Burgos. New Year/New Work is on exhibit through February 11, 2012, with a reception Friday, January 6.

Burgos comes from an architecture background, earning an MFA in ceramics from University of Utah after a career as a commercial and residential architect. That background in structure has a significant influence on the artist's thought process as he sketches and refines ideas for his pieces. The platter (above) has what looks like a little village or grid of sky-rises in its center.


Pay special attention to Burgos' surface treatment. He uses a technique called "terra sigilata" to build up a surface that somehow celebrates the essence of clay - the earthy quality. Yet the finish is somewhere between matte and glossy and seduces the viewer into touching it....yes, touching the piece of art. The piece above has raised bumps, at once sophisticated in design and reminiscent of an ancient tradition of ceramic work.

Burgos was inspired into pursuing the study of ceramics by an exhibit of medieval Japanese ceramics. "The simplicity of form" was what grabbed his attention and imagination.

Stop in the gallery over the next 6 weeks and see where Francesc Burgos' imagination took him.
Read these older blog posts to see more of his work and read an interview, start with May 14, 2010: http://wsgartgallery.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00:00:

Off-Site show at U-M Hospitals for WSG artists

Two WSG artists currently have work in the U of M Hospitals' Gifts of Art program. Clay sculptor Francesc Burgos and painter Martha Keller will be gracing the walls and pedestals of the Taubman Center with their work. Gifts of Art is a(n) unique program curated by a dedicated group of individuals for the hospital system. Shows last for 6-8 weeks and provide a welcome distraction for folks spending a vast amount of time at the world-class hospital system.

Burgos' contemplative pieces are created from porcelain and terra cotta clays and draw inspiration from nature and architecture. While Keller's paintings draw inspiration from nature, color and seeing.

Martha Keller: Irises

Stop for a look if you're at U of M hospitals. The work is on view through March. For more information, visit the website: http://www.med.umich.edu/goa/exhibits.htm

WSG Artist in Ann Arbor Clay Tour

WSG member Francesc Burgos will participate in Ann Arbor Clay Tour 2010, two days of open ceramic studios in Ann Arbor, December 4th. and 5th.
See annarborclaytour.com for details.