Han Chiao transforms symmetrical wheel-thrown forms into intuitively sculpted, otherworldly shapes. Her pieces blur boundaries between vessel and sculpture, evoking organic forms that range from voluptuous vases to celestial trophies with radical, unexpected beauty.
At his studio in Missoula, Montana, Casey Zablocki allows clay, fire, and gravity to determine both form and surface. He works without applied glazes, instead relying on ash, flame, and extended firing cycles to shape surfaces that cannot be fully controlled or repeated. His latest show is up now at Guild Gallery, through June 9.
Casey Zablocki’s alchemical experimentations with proprietary mixtures of clay push boundaries of scale and material. He forges sculptures, functional objects, and furniture that appear as though they were carved from a prehistoric landscape or rescued from architectural ruins. His new work will be on display at Guild Gallery, opening April 9.
Akiko Hirai, born in Japan and educated in England, reflects both influences in her craft. Her works—including large “moon jars” standing more than two feet tall and smaller “poppy pods”—feature surfaces covered with cracks, speckles, and messy accretions. “When I’m firing pieces, I always add test pieces to learn how they react to extreme conditions,” Hirai explains. “The first attempts rarely succeed, but repetition leads to evolution and new techniques.” Shown at Guild Gallery, Winter 2025.
