Berkeley potter Mark Goudy Origami. He describes his work as “the minimal form with hidden complexity”, building on a love for simple and elegant forms that reflect the geometric shapes inherent in nature.
In a meticulous sculpture that incorporates forms and functions, Goudy stands out from his experience as a 3D graphics hardware design engineer. He uses algorithm 3D software to create objects on Japanese paper folding art. “Many of these forms are designed to balance the folds – when set on a flat surface, they swing back and forth, naturally sedimenting to their inherent equilibrium point,” he said.
Goudy’s thin, translucent sliding pieces are made of black or white porcelain, and he occasionally colored by applying metal salt watercolor to the surface after he painted it into a concentrated material, and occasionally by applying metal salt watercolor to the surface. The salt absorbs and redistributes the pigment, which is further affected by the texture and permeability of the material.
“When the metal salts are immersed in porous clay bodies, they move and interact with each other,” the artist said. “In the drying process, they naturally grade and concentrate on the edges, highlighting the folds and ridges of my form.”
Goudy uses only three metal salt pigments: gold, cobalt and chromium, which enables a variety of red, blue and green shades. “I particularly attracted cobalt blue, which is a reference to the unspeakable blue of water and distance,” he said. “I think these objects are containers of light and atmosphere.”
Goudy’s work will be held at the 63rd Faenza International Biennial Award for Contemporary Ceramic Art in Faenza, Italy from June 28 to November 30.
