Working from his Pope Valley studio in Napa, ceramicist Kelly Farley creates large-scale suspended sculptures that are both singular and deeply evocative. His work explores the beauty of the individual while embodying the collective consciousness that binds us together. Each piece is a testament to Farley’s intensive and ritualistic process, undertaken only two to three times a year.
Farley’s journey begins with sourcing clay from diverse locations, ranging from the foothills of the Sierras to mines across the country. This carefully selected clay is combined, molded, and glazed using Farley’s proprietary techniques and recipes. The sculptures then undergo an elaborate firing process in an ancient Japanese Anagama kiln, where the unpredictability of wood-fired ash creates a unique surface and patina on each sphere. The ten-day firing is a collaborative effort, drawing ceramicists from across the nation to Pope Valley, where they work tirelessly around the clock to bring Farley’s vision to life.
Once the firing is complete, Farley meticulously assembles the spheres, allowing each to interact harmoniously within its space. Through this ambitious, entirely hand-done process, Farley not only creates physical works of art but also manifests the profound journey of creation itself.
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