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Catalog
Curator's Statement
Upon invitation to A Show of Heads, I made it clear that the participating artists would have total freedom to create whatever they wished - a form of support I value in my own creative production. My approach to this project was much like a survey; rather than starting with a particular theme, I sought out themes that seemed to arise from a common material and object. I invited a group of contemporary artists who have masterfully tackled the challenge of working with the figure, and often represent parts of the body rather than the body as a whole.
The head may be perceived as the core of our innermost self -- a bodily region housing our mind, psyche, and imagination. My own passionate interest in the human head lies in the question of what may still be present when all else is removed?
The idea for A Show of Heads emerged in the fall of 2009 during my thesis year as a Master of Fine Arts candidate at the University of Washington (Seattle). The year following a successful exhibition of figurative sculptures at Cinema Gallery, owner Carolyn Baxley extended her endless support of my work by offering me a solo show in the fall of 2010.
At the time I was immersed in an intense period of creation--a period of transition where it felt important to allow my work to evolve and change at its own pace. I therefore declined any commercial exhibition opportunities and put all energy into research and production. Carolyn assured me that she would support my work through any change and urged me to consider the offer before making a final decision. Recognizing the support I had found, I offered instead to bring together a dream team of artists--a daydream that Carolyn helped bring into reality.
Along with Carolyn, I also had the luxury of working with University of Washington Professor Jamie Walker who provided me with the freedom and guidance to undertake my first curatorial project.
Among the greatest satisfactions experienced in undertaking this project has been my close involvement with a group of artists whose work I deeply admire and have examined since my earliest attempts at making sculpture. My quest to master the human figure (along with persistence and good fortune) has allowed me to work side by side with many of the artists in this exhibition in both academic and workshop settings. Their contributions to contemporary ceramics - through production and instruction - have had an enormous impact on the field. I sincerely hope that through A Show of Heads, a broader audience will recognize the ingenuity of these ten living artists who use the sculpted human head to probe the complexities of human nature.
Jacob Foran
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