Towering over its environment is this 16 ½" sculpture, built by the potter Ray Gron. The initials are incised on the back of the piece. It was originally purchased from a gallery, and is approximately twenty years old.

The piece has the impression of an immense ‘bottle’, if one must be representational. It begins with a substantial base, just right for the height and weight of the piece. It bulges out slightly, and tapers to a long straight neck that is more that one half the height of the piece. The top of the neck is covered with a flat surface that has only a small hole in it, giving it a truly distinguished resolution.

The bottom third of the piece is unglazed gray clay. The next three to four inches consist of a darker clay that has a glossy finish. From then on up, the piece is glazed in the same manner. The neck is off-white in color and there are small ‘bands’ that separate the different sections of the piece.

This piece is arresting at first sight, and frankly each time I see it, it has not lost its towering impression. The colors are subtle and all fit beautifully into a whole.

It would be hard to place this piece except in its own environment. It is so commanding it would not do well with other works, and would steal the show. With a truly impressive conception and implementation, this is a rare piece that commands attention.

CODE: 6 - 39