Saturday, January 24, 2009

Exhibit: Ceramic Platters by Bill Shillalies


The ceramic platters of Bill Shillalies will be exhibited in the Patchogue Theater Lobby Art Gallery between January 23 and March15. Mr. Shillalies work combines tradition and experimentation. Beginning with the potters wheel he throws large platter forms often reaching a diameter of 36 inches. The forms are treated with a variety of glazes drawn from years of experimentation. During the firing process the glazes are affected by the tremendous temperatures of the kiln and respond in a predictable but not a controllable manner. Mr. Shillalies updates the ancient tradition of Japanese pottery in which the natural processes occurring in the kiln complete the piece. He cites as influences the natural forces of our Earth, climatic and geological which are represented in both the process and the finished piece.

Mr. Shillialies grew up in southern New Jersey and Germany. He received BA from Northland College in Wisconsin and an MA from Adelphi University. In 1991 he earned an MFA from Hunter College studying under Susan Peterson. He has studied and worked with Peter Voulkos, a seminal figure in the development of ceramic sculpture and Peter Callas during which time he developed an appreciation for the Japanese firing method known as Anagama.

Mr. Shillalies teaches ceramics and sculpture at Adelphi University and Nassau Community College. He gives workshops in a variety of ceramic techniques throughout the Tri State area. His work has been exhibited throughout the US as well as internationally and is represented in a number of private collection. Since 2000 he has been represented by the Dai Ichi Gallery in New York City.

Artist Reception: Jan. 24, 2009 starting at 1pm during Patchogue's Winter Arts Festival

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