Smithsonian Renwick Gallery: Michael Sherrill Retrospective

The bulk of the gallery space at the Renwick is now in service to a major retrospective of the works of potter and sculptor, Michael Sherrill.  I confess, I've never heard of him before today.  He is a native of North Carolina and lives and works there.  The exhibit originated at The Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The Renwick is its second stop, and it will end its run at the Arizona State University Art Museum, I believe that's in Tucson. 

The retrospective starts with modest thrown pottery and quickly evolves into many motifs all bearing the powerful influence of organic forms and the natural world on Sherrill's creations.  Until he finally leaves utilitarian concerns behind and embraces a natural world of his own creation.  The floral works are not real, but not not real either.  It is an affecting melding of reality with imagination.  I will share highlights from three of the motifs.  Elements of intentional drama are added to the later works by the judicious use of lighting.

TEAPOTS

BOTTLES

BOTANICAL/FLORAL