A gallery walk through with Reno artist, Richard Jackson, and closing reception for the exhibition, “Not Shaking In My Boots,” will be held on Nov. 19.
Jackson is a second generation Nevadan and has been actively working in ceramics since 1987. He is currently working as the Art Preparator in UNR’s Art Department.
The exhibition consists of a series of autobiographical ceramic “self-portraits,” each featuring a skull form topped off with an upside down Nevada-shaped hat which is embellished with graphic representations of an anecdotal, sometimes humorous, sometimes sad incident or episode in the artist’s life.
The multi-colored hand-built ceramic forms were created using the raku firing process in which the clay pieces are removed from the kiln and placed in containers of various combustible materials.
Part of the process’ attraction is its unpredictability which blackens raw clay (the skull forms) and causes cracking or crazing in the colorful Nevada hats.
In addition to the personal narratives, the artist draws inspiration from a myriad of sources from music icons such as Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, Husker Du and John Coltrane to Sci-Fi movies, casino urinals, record album cover and tattoo art and romantic westerns.
The artist will lead a walk-through of the exhibition commenting on some of his sources and working techniques. This will be followed by a closing reception for the exhibition. The event is from 5-7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Coming next in the Oats Park Art Center galleries will be an exhibition of large scale abstract paintings by Montana artist, Jerry Iverson, and the Lahontan Valley Invitational which will feature works by 23 Churchill County artists. We’ll have more information on these in the coming weeks.
FALL FILM SERIES: The Nicole Kidman film series will conclude tonight with a screening of the 2012 film, “The Paperboy.”
Kidman was nominated for a Golden Globe for best actress and the movie was also nominated for the Grand Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Tickets, $7 for CAC members, $10 for non-members, will be available at the Oats Park Art Center beginning at 6 p.m. and the film will start at 7 p.m.
Kirk Robertson covers the arts and may be reached at news@lahontanvalleynews.com