Christine Bentley
Miniature Power

MudFire Gallery presents the work of seven ceramicists with a focus on the power of the petite. Featuring sculpture, decorative wall pieces, and functional works, the exhibit revels in art that is precise and restrained.

The artist reception and exhibit opening will be held Saturday, July 14, from 5-9 pm. The exhibit and sale will be on display through August 4, 2007.

About the Artist

A native of the Atlanta area, Christine Bentley has been throwing pots for over ten years. She recently added "art teacher" to her list of obligations, teaching high school art in Cobb County. Christine is inspired by simplicity, functionality, and forms found in nature. She also is a resident artist and instructor at MudFire Clayworks. Christine works primarily in porcelain.

Christine Bentley Artist Statement

I took my first ceramics class ten years ago in college. As all beginner classes go, we began with handbuilding… but I had my eye on the wheel the whole time. I asked repeatedly if I could try it, and finally, for the final project, my professor gave me a chance. Back then my pots were heavy and thick, but I was determined to keep trying. Over the next several years, I kept taking classes in school and, after graduation, continued off and on with various clay studios that gave instruction.

Then something wonderful happened. I finally had enough money to buy my own wheel. I began throwing almost every day. Then I discovered a pottery studio in Atlanta, where I became a resident artist. There I found inspiration, a place to fire my work, and instruction on glazes. I had always used light colored clays with little or no grog. At MudFire, I was introduced to porcelain, which is my primary clay choice now. I like the final cool white color, and its luxurious texture.

My artwork in general has continuously been influenced by nature, whether its color, shape or design. The calming and peaceful blues and greens of the ocean have always inspired me. My pots tend to be simple, forgoing much decoration. Rather than focusing on complicated designs and textures, it's the smooth simple shapes that emerge from my hands. In the past year, I have become increasingly interested in the power of the line. A line can convey energy, peace, frustration, etc, depending on its intensity, width, or direction. There's a line on most of my vessels.

And I always make functional pieces. Even the really tiny ones! There is something alluring about having a meal served from a hand made bowl or dish. The food just tastes better.

Perhaps most importantly, I find that when I throw, nothing else matters. My mind empties when I am working on the wheel. I find peace in simply sitting and thinking of nothing but the feel of the clay. In the end, I make pots for that simple reason.

Christine Bentley Resume

Education

2002, BFA, Art Education, Georgia State University

1997, BA, Studio Art, Kennesaw State University

Exhibitions and Juried Shows

Urban Market, Atlanta GA, December 2003

MudFire Gallery, Atlanta GA, December 2003, Holiday Studio Sale

MudFire Gallery, Atlanta GA, April 2004, Teapots-A-Go-Go 2

Inman Park Festival, Atlanta GA, April 2004

Erika Reade Ltd, Atlanta GA, December 2004, 15th Annual Southern Artists Show

Woodhill, Athens GA, December 2004, Holiday Sale

Good Dirt, Athens GA, December 2004, 7th Annual Holiday Pottery Sale

MudFire, Atlanta GA, December 2004, Holiday Studio Sale

Inman Park Festival, Atlanta GA, April 2005

OCAF, Watkinsville GA, May 2005, Southworks Festival

Brookhaven Arts Festival, Atlanta GA Oct 2005

Erika Reade Ltd. Oct 2005, 16th Annual Southern

Paideia School, Atlanta GA, November 2005, 23rd Annual Fine Art and Craft sale

OCAF, Watkinsville GA, December 2005, Holiday Market

MudFire, Atlanta GA, December 2005, Holiday Sale

Woodhill, Athens GA, December 2005, Holiday Sale

MudFire, Atlanta GA, April 2006, Teapots-A-Go-Go 2006

MudFire, Atlanta GA, June 2006, Surfacing, curator of four-artist show

Woodhill, Athens GA, December 2006, Holiday Sale