ALEXANDER M. CLINTHORNE
Honolulu, HAWAII, USA
Alexander M Clinthorne in his studio
Alexander M. Clinthorne, Deep Repository, 2014. Stoneware, electric fired, 17’ x 4’ x 4’.| Installed onsite at Artbiotop in Japan, this spinal form rests near a river and has gathered a beautiful patina of moss and mushrooms over the years.
Alexander M. Clinthorne, Biotop Spine, 2014. Stoneware, woodfired, 12 x 12 x 12 inches
The two studios that I normally work in are currently inaccessible. The work I make is typically large, often unnecessarily heavy, and requires a couple of strong ceramists or a lifter. Having no studio/clay/lifter access, the Covid-19 pandemic has become a catalyst for change in my usual ways of working. I have combined the delicately pinching porcelain of my pottery with the flowing forms of my sculptural work. Because these forms are fragile and are going to be difficult to transport, I am experimenting with making them modularly with the intention of combining them after firing.
Covid-19 has made for some scary times, but my spirits remain high. My first child was born March 28, 2020. He has been a bright reminder that the miracle of life hasn’t gone anywhere. Because of the directive to stay at home, I am able to observe and be inspired by every moment with him.
Life as a new parent means that lack of time is a major limitation. So, with the scarce time I do get to work on art, I am compelled to work efficiently. I find myself meandering down much fewer time consuming tangents. Staying at home means resources are limited. I have not only had to learn to work small, but also to make the best use of the single bag of porcelain that I have at home. My clay and time seem so much more valuable and I am sure that this translates into the work.
Alexander M. Clinthorne, Biotop Spine, 2014. Stoneware, wood fired, 16 x 16 x 24 inches
during the lockdown, Alexander M. Clinthorne had only one bag of porcelain at his disposal, so he had to be frugal, using it to make a series of “floral modules.” Each individual flower will be rearranged once it is fired.
Alexander M. Clinthorne, Floral Modules—1, 2020. Porcelain, currently unfired, 12 x 12 x 12 inches
Alexander M. Clinthorne, Floral Modules—2, 2020. Porcelain, currently unfired, 12 x 12 x 12 inches
Alexander M. Clinthorne, Floral Modules—4, 2020. Porcelain, currently unfired, 12 x 12 x 12 inches
Alexander M. Clinthorne, Floral Modules—3, 2020. Porcelain, currently unfired, 12 x 12 x 12 inches