Ceramics and Pottery Arts and Resources

 

” My work is meant to have the feel of an artifact. An emotional or mental artifact made solid. A cultural artifact from some place where the future and past are merged. Some parts original, some ancient, others still evolving. Ideas of fragmentation, the beauty of the spirit that has been tried and survived, the diaspora of the modern soul. ” – Daniel Hawkins

 

Any process of creating visual art has always been a source of inspiration for Daniel Hawkins. This passion began at a young age when he began drawing and painting while growing up in the Midwest,  surrounded by cornfields and fireflies. This led to years spent professionally as an illustrator, graphic designer, painter, photographer and finally as a planetarium producer and digital artist. Dan began working in figurative sculptural work in the early 1990’s after taking some classes in pottery and ceramics. His early interest in fantasy genres, visionary subjects and the symbolic became infused in his sculptures.

Dans body of work in ceramic sculptures reaches deeply into ancient art traditions and symbols and interprets them insightfullly and reverantly. Many of the art forms of the ancient cultures had similarities and connections through their spiritual awareness and beliefs. I find it fascinating to see these forms faithfully recreated with a lucid perception.

‘Spirit Figure’ – Dan Hawkins

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” My early interest in fantasy subjects led to creating dragons and gargoyles. My love of nature and the outdoors prompted work on wildlife and other natural themes. Finally my ongoing personal interest in anthropology and comparative religion began years of exploration of early cultures and the origins of religion. This began with the always fascinating art of ancient Egypt and Precolumbian cultures. Finally leading to extensive work around nature religions – including Wiccan and the many Goddess mythologies that were ignored by many for far too long, but are flourishing again in the spiritual vacuum of the post-modern world. “ ” Ultimately my art serves as a tool of exploration – both of the natural world around us and the inner landscape of the heart and mind.

At its best, Art concerns itself with the deepest elements of human experience. Science, Art, and Religion all reach for the truth from different directions. The images of gods and goddesses give us a model for how to be healthy, compassionate, and strong human beings. The images of nature remind us of our inextricable connection with the natural world. Images from other cultures should help us always remember there is only one tribe – the human race – and that we must live together, or ultimately perish separately.  I hope as I share my work with others, that it serves to inspire them emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.”  –  D. Hawkins

Ceramic Kosai Tiles – Daniel Hawkins

 

 

ARTIFACT6 – Stoneware Cone 5 Shino and Luster glazes

Ancient Goddess Artifact

From the Neolithic and Bronze Ages into the first great civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China – one vital religious theme was shared – a deep respect for the power of the feminine, symbolized by the Great Goddess – nurturer of the Earth, protectress of cities, source of life, Queen of both Heaven and the Underworld. Her names included: Hathor, Juno, Isis, Sedna, Demeter, Tara, Artemis, Ixcel, Innana, Ishtar, Menerva, Lakshimi, Aditi, Persephone, Bastet, Sekhemet, Coatlique, and many more.

 

 

The Australian aborigines represent the oldest intact cultures surviving on Earth today. For over 25,000 years they have maintained the same lifestyle, rituals, and systems of belief. Their unique art is found in the recesses of canyons and other sacred sites, recollections of the Dream Time – a time before the creation of the Earth, when the gods existed in another state. Australia Arnhem Land Circa 1,000 B.C.

Goddess Shrine

 Turquoise and Pyrite cabachons – Agate inset

Stoneware Cone 05 – Raku fired  – 34 inches by 32 inches

Artifact wall art

 

Wall mounted tribal masks

 

 

Neo-Olmec Mask

Masks are an important part of ceremonial life – they make the supernatural world visible and bring it to life in dance dramas. Shaman masks depict the ability to change shape and the journey the shaman takes between worlds. Masks allow the wearer to become another being – spirit or animal – a symbol for transformation and change.

Petroglyphs

 Daniel Hawkins Wall Art

 Artifact 10

 

Anasazi Petroglyphs

The Anasazi lived for centuries on the Colorado Plateau. Their culture vanished before the first Europeans set foot on this continent. Only through their cliff dwellings, pottery, and rock art do we learn of their hunting scenes and shaman figures which are found throughout the Southwest.  American Southwest 200 A.D.

 

 

Mask 10 – Stoneware Cone 05 Raku fired

38 by 14 inches

 Turquoise cabachons – mixed feathers

 

Artifact 5

Ancient Goddess Artifact – Turquoise and Pyrite cabachons

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Some of Dan’s functional wares :

Fire Agate Pitcher

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Drip glaze Tumbler

 

 

Large organic-platter

 

 

Ocean Jasper Vase

Ceramic drinking vessel

Platter and dipping bowl – Dan Hawkins

 

 

Opal Serving Tray – Dan Hawkins

Anima

Hans

 

 

 Dan Hawkins website here