Ursula Hargens | The Quotidian Diary

Jaurnte (Art in June): Day Four

June 4, 2013 § 3 Comments

My parents own a beautiful set of china, but I’ve yet to eat a meal off it. Instead, on special occasions they break out the pottery dishes.

My fourth Jaurnte visit to Northern Clay Center in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis reminded me of my fondness for objects like Mom and Dad’s good dishes. I mentioned to the people at the front desk that I had simple expectations for the gallery and the space, but the incredible diversity of color, shape, and design as well as the stories the art told were sublime.

The current exhibit features porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware structures by four recent McKnight Fellowship recipients — Edith Garcia, Janet Williams, Brian Boldon, and Ursula Hargens. I was particularly moved by Hargens’ work, not only because the colors and designs are aesthetically pleasing, but because she creates art that reflects her neurological condition, synesthesia, which she describes as one sense being linked to another. In other words, when she sees a letter or number, she automatically associates a color with it. As far back as I can remember, I’ve associated letters and numbers and other objects not with color but with gender and personalities, so I felt a quiet kinship with her.

The space includes a shop chock full of pottery from artists across the country, and visitors are free to walk in the back through the maze of studios where local artists’ work is also displayed. A field trip is mandatory for any art lover, especially one with a soft spot for ceramic arts.

As I left the center, I considered all the shopping I’ve done across the years for exquisite china from my friends’ wedding registries, and while I usually admired their taste, I always secretly yearned for a cupboard full of pottery. Now I’m inspired to search for the dishes that will best reflect my personality and heart.

Northern Clay Center
2424 Franklin Avenue East
Minneapolis