On View
On viewObject number2000.37
Salt Bowl
Maker
Maria Scott
(American, 1963-)
Date1999
Mediumpit-fired stoneware, salt, sticks
DimensionsObject: 8 3/8 in. × 15 in. × 15 in. (21.3 × 38.1 × 38.1 cm)
Credit LinePermanent Collection Fund
Exhibition History"Contemporary Ceramics from the Permanent Collection," KIA Galley 2 (Jan. 15 - Mar. 4, 2001).
"It Speaks to Me," KIA School Commons (Feb. 3 - May 1, 2005).
"Energy and Inspiration: African American Art from the Permanent Collection," KIA Long Gallery (Jan. 13 - Apr. 14, 2006).
"Highlights of the KIA Permanent Collection, (purchased with Auction funds)," KIA Gallery 5 (Sept. 9 - Oct. 14, 2006).
"Embracing Diverse Voices: African-American Art in the Collection of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts," KIA Galleries 3&4 (Oct. 3 - Nov. 29, 2009).
"Off the Wall: Art in Three Dimensions," KIA (Sept. 17 - Dec. 4, 2011).
"Out of the Fire: Masterworks of Ceramics," Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, changing exhibitions galleries (Jan. 14 - Mar. 12, 2017).
Round and Round, Ethel Denton Groos Gallery, November 4, 2017 - March 4, 2018
"Resilience: African American Artists as Agents of Change," at the KIA (September 14, 2019 - February 16, 2020).
"Unveiling American Genius," KIA Permanent Collection Exhibition, Traditional, Markin, Nay and Groos Galleries (March 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023).
Label TextA small vessel is contained within a larger one, surrounded and secured by layers of bright white rock salt and stubby twigs. The artist has challenged the traditional vessel form by filling it with non-traditional items. The result is an earthy, textural exploration for all our senses. The rough, knobby twigs and hard, jagged pieces of salt contrast sharply with the smooth clay surface. Notice the layers of dark, light and dark again as you move from the center to the outer edge. This is also visible on the mottled exterior. We can imagine the taste of the salt as well as the sound of crunching twigs.
Maria Scott was born and raised in Chicago but has lived in Kalamazoo since 1984 following her graduation from Siena Heights College. Although she sketches new ideas constantly, she rarely works from them. Most often, she allows her sculptures to follow their own course. Her hand built forms are bisque-fired, then buried in sawdust which is set on fire. The burning sawdust leaves the artwork with a smoky finish that the artist feels suits her forms.
