Field Studies, a Solo Exhibition by Megan Daloz, Opens Mar 19

Field Studies, a solo exhibition by studio potter Megan Daloz, opens at MudFire Gallery on March 19th. Field studies traditionally address many different types of behavior, including social behavior, mating systems, sheltering and feeding habits, predator-prey relationships, migration, and navigation. This exhibit is as much a field study of Megan Daloz, the potter, as it is an illustrated clay document of her studies of the natural and urban world.

The show will open with an artist reception on Saturday, March 19, 2011, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The exhibit will continue through April 16 at MudFire Gallery, 175 Laredo Drive, Decatur, GA 30030. All work in the show is available for sale.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

Megan Daloz studied glassmaking and ceramics at Alfred University, and is currently a studio potter and a full-time commercial illustrator. She lives in Atlanta and is a resident artist and instructor at MudFire Clayworks.

Daloz's clay work is painstakingly decorated with images of bees, weeds, mopeds, minotaurs and other creatures one frequently encounters in an urban setting. Recorded and rendered with the practiced eye of a naturalist, the images together produce a curious and splendidly illustrated collage of modern life. Individually, her pieces capture the un-affected essence of free-range dinosaurs, cage-free weasels, and a profusion of botanicals. To say nothing of the mycological fascinations!

Daloz's drawing style follows the pre-eminent stylistic and contextual footsteps of early naturalist illustrators. Unfortunately, early naturalists faced many obstacles in their attempts to document the flora and fauna they observed. They often lacked fresh specimens, had use of only primitive printing techniques, and in some cases, suffered from overactive imaginations! Free of all such hindrances, comfortably ensconced in the studio, armed with but a laptop and raw talent, Megan quietly observes images of her subjects in the wild urbs. She then faithfully renders her species and varietals to expertly thrown pottery, deftly executed in white stoneware and decorated with jewel-toned glazes. Her work is functional, fun and scientific. It helps to reveal the habits and habitats of various organisms present in their natural surroundings.

Detailed information about Megan Daloz, including her artist statement, resume, and images of representative works, is available at: http://www.mudfire.com/megan-daloz-2011.htm.

The exhibit will be fully documented and available for sale online with MudFire's new website, coming soon.

ABOUT MUDFIRE CLAYWORKS AND GALLERY

MudFire is one of the largest clay studios in the country, with over 160 clay artists using the space, a year-round exclusive roster of 40 artists represented in the gallery, monthly group and solo gallery exhibitions, and artists flown in from around the world for workshops and lectures.

The fully equipped artist studio has pottery wheels, sculpting equipment, communal tools, glazes, kilns and plenty of inspiration. Artists in residence and "free range" instructors make it a perfect place for beginners as well as seasoned ceramicists. MudFire also brings high profile artists from around the world to Atlanta for demonstration workshops, intensive hands-on classes, free lectures and slide presentations. The studio is open Thursday(12p-10p), Friday(12p-10p), Saturday(12p-8p), Sunday(12p-8p), and Monday(12p-10p).

Now in its ninth year, MudFire Gallery is Atlanta's clay-only gallery, providing representation for some of the Southeast's top potters and clay sculptors alongside talented emerging and mid-career artists. MudFire also celebrates this diverse and accessible medium with monthly exhibits of functional and decorative works including solo, group and themed exhibits. MudFire Gallery is open daily from noon until 8pm except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. MudFire is located in Decatur at 175 Laredo Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, just off E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, near the DeKalb Farmers Market.