nothin Look Here: New Work by Nearby Artists (22) | New Haven Independent

Made By Fire

Laura Litvinoff
Chris Alexiades

Stephen Kobasa Photo

Laura Litvinoff, Vessel (Orb form), 2011, pit-fired clay

From out of the pit, literally, these pure objects come, made by fire rather than undone by it. They could be read as the consequence of seeding an archaeological dig with a history of pottery, the earliest method producing the newest results. Smoke and heat have painted them, leaving images of Pompeian frescos seared away, or the variegated landscapes of Saturn’s moons. Everything about them appears close to the surface, with clouds and coastlines seen from such an aerial distance that they both inhabit the same dimension.

Stephen Kobasa Photo

Chris Alexiades , Vessel (Jar form), 2011, pit-fired clay

Utility is their costume but not their purpose, unless they might serve as containers for genies or trade goods to be carried on an interstellar voyage. Held against the palm, they offer a benevolent chill that evokes the memory of every pleasure’s shiver. It has become a annual ritual for me to document the work of these two artists, each visit a gift that I give to myself. But these pieces are generous; anyone would be blessed by them.

Additional images and information on gallery hours at

Contact the artists (whose gallery is on Howe Street) at laura(at)claystudionewhaven(dot)com and chris(at)claystudionewhaven(dot)com

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