Wabi-Sabi, an exhibition of ceramic works by Neal X. Joiner, will be on view from Friday, Sept. 9, through Friday, Oct. 7, at Catapult Creative House.
Joiner is a native Southeast Missourian and current BFA student at Southeast Missouri State University. He began his training in the University’s art program following 23 years of service in the U.S. Air Force after retiring in 2019. Though specializing in painting at the University, Joiner was recently inspired to create works in ceramics that explore the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi.
The wabi-sabi concept, when applied to art, is usually associated with rustic and simplified forms. For Joiner’s interpretation, he threw each piece on his home studio’s pottery wheel and fired them in his home-made kiln. He finished each piece using a post-firing smoking technique resulting in uniquely distinct ceramic works. “I really wanted to explore the concepts of finding beauty in the acceptance of irregularities and just letting the materials develop into the forms they wanted to be,” said Joiner. “I enjoyed creating each piece and hope anyone who comes to the exhibit takes the time to slow down and contemplate each piece. Hopefully, everyone can find one that speaks to them.”
Each month and as a part of a program to promote community based and integrated art making, a student artist is chosen to exhibit his or her work at Catapult Creative House’s Student Studio Gallery. These exhibitions will showcase a range of work from individual artists that highlights their personal and professional artistic explorations as a part of the Southeast Missouri art community. These artists explore the physicality of the human condition, its relationship to nature, and the role of art in contemporary society. In addition to the exhibition, attendees are welcome to tour the studio spaces, view ongoing projects, and engage with the artists.
The exhibition closing reception for Wabi-Sabi is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Catapult Creative House is located at 612 Broadway. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. All gallery exhibitions, events and talks are free and open to the public. For more information contact Christy Mershon at cmershon@semo.edu or (573) 651-2651 or Dr. Joni Hand at jhand@semo.edu.