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Media Relations

Guenther’s "Clay Trends" inspired by people, nature, work, emotions

For Professor John Guenther, creating a ceramic piece means putting great detail into every work to invoke an emotion or leave behind a significant message.

In a recent exhibit at the University of Indianapolis, Guenther displayed 29 ceramic pieces that he created while on sabbatical. To enhance one urn, Guenther placed gold leaf on the front and, to give it extra significance, he placed a cluster of amethyst on top of the lid.

"Gold leaf gives it significance -- people have certain connotations of value with it," Guenther said. "With semi-precious stones, it appears to be more special. The vessel takes on more special meaning than containing grandmother."

Guenther is the head of the IU Southeast ceramic program, 3-D design coordinator and Ronald L. Barr Gallery coordinator. Recently, the Louisville Visual Art Association board of directors asked Guenther to have his own exhibit, which he said was an honor. His exhibit, "John Guenther: Clay Trends," shows off a variety of pieces including clay vessels, fused and kiln-formed glass, and two-dimensional clay paintings. His exhibit ran in a gallery adjoining the annual DinnerWorks show, which Guenther has curated for the past eight years.

Two years ago, a committee from the Louisville Visual Art Association selected Guenther's work from a group of proposals, said Lisa Swikert, publications officer and coordinator of special events for the association.

Guenther was responsible for beginning the ceramic program at IU Southeast. He has taught modern art history, history of ceramics, beginning and advanced painting courses, and printed and dyed textile art. He introduced an important aspect of the ceramic program -- kiln-formed glass (fusing and slumping processes). He also has introduced kiln building, clay mono-printmaking and advanced glaze development as specialty courses.

He is inspired by a myriad of events, people and places. Certain events, like the sudden death of a younger brother, have inspired a series of pieces. Many of his ideas are derived from his students, and most of his inspiration comes from where he lives. "I think there are some things that can easily be seen in my work that are derivatives of nature," he said.

Through his glass work, Guenther explores color and transparencies that he can't achieve with clay pieces or his glazes.

He has exhibited his artwork in regional, national and international art shows. His work is in permanent collections in several foreign counties at this time, and he works to remain an active artist, which enables him to retain his creative touch.

DinnerWorks, a national invitational exhibit, is in its 19th year. The annual event raises funds for the Louisville Visual Art Association. Guenther has been involved with the Louisville Visual Art Association for many years, volunteering his time to help with a variety of art-related projects and events in the arts community and the Louisville metro area. Guenther originally was asked to become the curator of DinnerWorks because of his background in ceramic arts, his prior exhibitions and his contacts in the art world.

"It is a very prestigious show that is well-known in the ceramic arts world around the country," Guenther said. "When a clay artist is invited, it is considered to be quite an honor."

Artists travel to Louisville from across the country, not just the region, to participate in DinnerWorks. The event has received recognition in a variety of local, regional and national publications including Home and Garden magazine and Better Homes and Gardens.

Swikert said 15 artists were invited to exhibit their art in DinnerWorks 2006. The artists had to create certain pieces, such as a plate and vessel, to create a place setting. The artist set the price of the dinnerware. In January, patrons sat down to an elegant dinner with the artists' creations. During the dinner, the meal was served on normal dinnerware to preserve the artists' work.

After the event, DinnerWorks remains on exhibit for the public to view.

• See John Guenther's work at the Water Tower, 3005 River Road, Louisville, through Feb. 25. The Water Tower is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information or for tickets, call 502- 896-2146, ext. 108, or visit http://www.louisvillevisualart.org

• A luncheon will end the DinnerWorks exhibit on Feb. 24. Visitors can start viewing the art at 11 a.m. and lunch will begin at noon. Anything purchased that day may be taken home. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members.

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