Sunset River Marketplace, the eclectic art gallery in Calabash, N.C. will feature Vessels: Altered, Twisted & Weathered by Wilmington, N.C. clay artist Brian Evans from Wednesday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Jan. 11. The exhibition of large vessels will showcase a new direction for the artist.
“I approach my current work through a more contemporary aesthetic,” Evans says. “I draw inspiration from nature, architecture and the human form. I have been exploring surface treatment by way of textured and runny glazes, which represent my interest in old weathered and eroded surfaces. Much of my work is inspired by coastal Carolina. This is apparent in my choices of color and form.
“I enjoy making vessel forms because they are an intimate part of the daily rituals of people’s lives. This relationship between the objet and person is very important to me. I have taken my current work in a new more complex direction, especially my sculptural pieces. These changes have injected a revitalized energy and excitement into my artwork.”
Born in Beaufort, S.C., Evans was raised in western Pennsylvania where he graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Studio Art. At this time he focused mainly on sculpture. After moving the Wilmington in 1995, he began studying ceramics under Master Potter Hiroshi Sueyoshi, who would become a major influence on his work.
From 2002 through 2008, Evans was a pottery instructor with the Cape Fear Community College Continuing Education Program. Over the years he has received various awards at fine art shows and festivals. In both 2003 and 2005, he was awarded a regional artist grant for New Hanover County in North Carolina. Evans is a founding member and vice president of the board of the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild in Wilmington.
Since opening in 2002, Sunset River Marketplace has become an active supporter of performing, literary and visual arts in the area. The 10,000 square-foot gallery features work by over 200 North and South Carolina artists. Its on-site pottery studio has two kilns and three wheels for use by students. Ongoing oil, pastel and watercolor classes are also provided, in addition to workshops by nationally known artists. A framing department offers full-service, on-site custom frame design.
Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (Hwy 179), Calabash, N.C. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From January through March the gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit the website (www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com) or “like” the gallery’s Facebook page, which is updated daily. Reach the gallery by telephone at 910.575.5999.