Brittany Kennedy 10/29/09

I visited the Blue Star Art Galleries and came across the Joan Grona gallery where Ryan Takaba's "Mums on the Horizon" series was on display. The stoneware and the way it has been treated and glazed is exquisite in detail. These works reminded me of a student in my printmaking class who has been working on sculptures made out of wood that have the same intimate feel as the stoneware created by Takaba. I was very impressed and drawn into the work as a viewer to the intricate detail and intimate cracks glazed. The color palette added to the intimacy as the artist used soft pastel like colors that really adhered to the success of the work. The space of this work seemed so broad around the viewer as a result of the way they are displayed on the podium all around the room. This allows the viewer to be submerged in the works space while inviting the viewer to engage closely with the work. The relationship established between work and viewer become as intimate as the work itself due to the subtle invitation. This piece is successful in many of the formal elements of art. It contains space, balance, visual aesthetics that cause the piece to work strongly, even if it was seen as separate pieces.