Dick Lehman A ceramics artist who describes himself as "a late bloomer with respect to an interest in clay" will display his work at EMU, Feb. 5-Mar. 3.
Dick Lehman, who operates a pottery studio in Goshen, Ind., will present an exhibit on the theme, "Detail as Metaphor: Microcosm and Meaning."
The exhibit will open with a reception for the artist 2:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5 in the third floor art gallery of Hartzler Library.
What started as a single elective course in clay during Lehman’s sophomore year at Goshen (Ind.) College evolved into three more art classes added to an already-full academic schedule his last two years of college.
After graduation, he worked in administration but maintained an interest in clay by remodeling a small chicken house into a tiny ceramic studio.
In 1981, Lehman began pursuing his passion full time. He opened a comprehensive retail studio to the public six days a week.
"I love the idea of making pots of utility and function that grace and bless the lives of users, making common moments special and memorable," Lehman stated. "I continue to make works of utility: the functional production items in my catalog number nearly 100. My studio now employs at least three other potters who assist in the production of these studio ‘repeat-ware’ items," he added.
Lehman’s years of exploration and development as a ceramics artist resulted in the saggar-fired, side-fired and wood-fired approaches that characterize his exhibition works, which he describes as "more risky, less predictable and perhaps more inventive than my regular production works," which are also sold through his production studio.
Over the past 10 years, the artist has traveled internationally, offered ceramics workshops, served as visiting artist in various academic settings and has written some 30 articles for international ceramics publications.
The exhibit will be open for viewing during regular library hours through Mar. 3. Admission is free.
Hartzler Library Gallery Hours:
Mon.-Thur. 7:45 a.m.-11 p.m.
Fri. 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun. 2 p.m.-11 p.m.