Hands of Hands of
A col l abora t i on b y Al e ja ndr o P e r ea a nd Me mo G u t i e r r ez
Alejandro Perea
It begins with the Earth, it begins with nature, with water, with clay, with the elements, with gravity, with hands, with the revolutions of the earth, with vision, with light, with fire, vehement forces.
This collaboration project officially started when it was assigned by Vincent Burke, the Ceramics Professor at University Texas El Paso. However, I believe the collaboration between myself, Alejandro Perea, and Memo Gutierrez ultimately had its nascency long ago. Perhaps if one were to describe the true beginnings of this collaboration in geological terms one would risk being overly poetic. Yet here it was discovered that collaboration, as such, is a long chain of events and relationships that continues through time. We realized that forces, vast and vehement, are at work!
“Vehement forces in nature, inherent trough the formation, correlate to centering clay and masterapprentice relationship�.
Stoneware waiting to be fired
alex and memo discussing their work in the clay studio at utep.
Apprenticeship I tried to show Memo everything I knew about clay. We had long conversations about glazing, wedging, throwing and firing. This project has been an equal exchange between a newbie and a three year veteran clay artist. The real benefit of the apprenticeship model of learning, is that the student becomes the teacher.
Trying to teach Memo everything I knew about clay pushed me to examine everything I was doing more closely. In my experience, the apprenticeship model of learning obviously helps the “apprentice” by exposing them to new information and skills. Less obvious are the gains had by the master, a thorough and critical consideration of the his/hers “own knowhow.”
Memo Gutierrez
The beauty and art of ceramics has captured my being entirely, I have come to regard ceramics as something beyond this comprehensible universe.
Memo trims a foot on one of his pieces
Smashing dry clay for reconstituting.
Although, clay is something very organic it is also very transcendental at the same time. When an artist creates a vessel from a lump of earth the metamorphosis that ensues , seems exquisitely supernatural . I started my journey into the world of ceramics in the Fall of 2010. With my incredible introduction into hand building forms and the basics of clay such as its meticulous structure and the phenomena of the glazing process. My experience in such an awesome atmosphere, indulged my curiosity into a new art form with unlimited possibilities in creativity and controlled forms.
My curiosity in such amazing artistry compelled me to enter into the realm of ceramics two in the Spring of 2012, where I was to become familiarized with the potter’s wheel and its divine capabilities. In entering this second endeavor into the world of ceramics , I not only learned the fascinating new mediums and knowledge ceramics two withheld. I however came to receive the insurmountable truths of perseverance, patience, practice, persistence, and dedication, all which I hold in deepest of reverence.
“My experience in such an awesome atmosphere, indulged my curiosity into a new art form with unlimited possibilities in creativity and controlled forms.�
My endearing journey in the course of ceramics two, conveniently took me under the wing of the apprenticeship model, which was heralded by my dear friend Alex Prrea. In such an amazing enterprise that took place at UTEP I learned fascinating throwing techniques, glazing procedures, proper clay reconstitution, differing clay bodies, unique forms, as well as thorough and detailed information involving clay. I not only gained important and overwhelming insights into ceramics, but felt a keen and wonderful camaraderie with the many talented art students that I became acquainted with through such an experience. My alluring journey in ceramics is far from finished and shall continue until I have routinely become entwined with the many aspects the world of clay has to offer.
Alejandro’s Pieces
Memo’s pieces
Hands of
A clay collaboration by Alejandro Perea and Memo Gutierrez. Faculty Advisor Vince Burke Design and photography by Berenice Mendez
Š2012