Clay

The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts just wrapped up its 60th anniversary celebration this past Sunday; it was a weekend filled with presentations, exhibitions (many of which are still up), the annual Bray Benefit Auction, and - from the reports trickling in - loads of fun. I would have given my eye teeth to attend (though finalizing our own 70th anniversary issue for the printer was a thrill, too).

Jenny Topolski works in a variety of mediums (clay, metal, paper, and textiles), but her aesthetic is uniquely her own. Not all of her work is nautically-inspired, but something about the octopus wall sconce spoke to me.

Toshiko Takaezu, one of the most influential and world-renowned ceramic artists, died last week at the age of 88. Takaezu taught for 25 years at Princeton University, where she was a mentor who shaped the lives of generations of artists. She was known for her round forms, which often incorporated an element of sound.