Eleusis
1999

Earthenware
18.5 x 19 x 13.5 in.
Gift of Richard W. Gold from the Arthur J. Williams Collection
2024.12.15

Anne Currier is known for her abstract ceramics. Currier's subject matter is the interplay of solid forms and empty space: light and shadow with unexpected surface cavities. Though they appear solid, her sculptures have a hollow interior—not unlike traditional ceramic pottery. They are hard-edged and slab-built, then shaped over cardboard tubes. The work is not carved or modeled, it's assembled like a collage of clay cut with a ruler rather than knife or needle. The glazed surface appears soft, referencing the rich, tonal subtleties of winter hues in western New York. Eleusis, like most of her work is monochromatic and earthy; at times almost slate blue, but most often appearing grey.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky to an architect father and artist mother, Anne was the oldest of three girls. The ceramic artist and teacher, Patti Warashina, saw Currier's work during her senior year at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1972 and invited her to the University of Washington, Seattle. Currier graduated with an MFA from there in 1974. She then went on to teach ceramics at the University of Colorado, Boulder from 1975-1984. From 1984 until 2016, Anne was a professor of ceramic art at the New York State College of Ceramics, School of Art and Design at Alfred University; now recognized as professor emerita.

Billie Sessions, PhD.

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This object has the following keywords:

• geometric abstraction
• gray
• sculpture