The Bridgette Mayer Gallery is pleased to announce its first solo exhibition of sculptor Steve Tobin. Explosive Relationships will be on view from March 30 – May 1, 2010, with an opening reception First Friday, April 2, from 6:00 - 8:30 pm. The exhibition will feature large and small examples of Steve Tobin's legendary ceramic and glass "Bang Pots" and "Exploded Earth" series. For a glimpse into Tobin's process, please visit: http://www.bridgettemayergallery.com/artist_tobinvideo.html
Also on view in the Vault Room will be a site-specific installation by the artist, titled Touch.
Explosive Relationships is one of 95 exhibitions that are part of INDEPENDENCE: The 44th Annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference taking place in Philadelphia from March 31 – April 3, 2010. The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA is serving as the onsite liaison and organizing body of the exhibitions program. For a complete list of programmed exhibitions, visit: http://www.theclaystudio.org/events/nceca/exhibitions.php.
Bridgette Mayer Gallery is proud to present the first gallery showing of Steve Tobin's groundbreaking 14-year obsession with the ceramic medium. By translating an explosion into form, Tobin documents the movement of order into chaos. Tobin has conducted tens of thousands of explosions to develop this new visual language. Says the artist, "After 14 years, over 20,000 explosions and 300,000+ pounds of clay I realize clay is no longer just a hobby... The exploded earth concepts relate to my metal work. I am trying to formalize nature." Explosive Relationships is one of four different groups of exhibitions developed for the conference, titled From the Community (the other groups being NCECA exhibitions, The Clay Studio exhibitions, and Concurrent Independent Exhibitions.) From the Community is a group of exhibitions developed in support of the 44th NCECA Conference by individual artists, groups of artists, commercial galleries, non-profit and alternative spaces, colleges and universities. The exhibitions celebrate the work of professionals, aspiring professionals, and students.
About Steve Tobin: Steve Tobin is a visual philosopher based in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Tulane University and has worked in various media throughout his career. His vast repertoire includes works in glass, clay, bronze, and steel. His work often explores natural forms, and the artists cites nature as his earliest influence, one that continues to inform his work. Tobin's work has been shown internationally at venues including the American Museum of Natural History; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Carpe Diem Gallery, Paris; Retretti Art Center, Finland; Gallery 10, New York City; and Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia. His work is also part of permanent collections at American Craft Museum; Philadelphia Museum of Art; American Glass Museum; and Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Switzerland.
About Bridgette Mayer Gallery: The Bridgette Mayer Gallery is located on Washington Square in the historic district of Philadelphia. The gallery opened in 2001 with the mission to exhibit the best contemporary works being made locally and nationally. The gallery specializes in working with first-time art buyers as well as seasoned collectors interested in enhancing their art collection through the acquisition of market-proven artists.
Gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. & by appointment. For additional information please contact Bridgette Mayer at (t) 215-413-8893 (f) 215-413-2283