New Work

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 8, 2011, 5:00 to 7:00pm

For her third solo show at Frank Lloyd Gallery, ceramic sculptor Cheryl Ann Thomas presents a series of Relics. They are relics of the human experience of fragility and loss. Most of the works are composed of multiple pieces, each of which was formed and fired separately. The works are then coupled and composed as a single sculpture. New to this exhibit are two bronze sculptures, strongly related to the ceramic works. Further expanding her media, Thomas has also produced one work in stainless steel.

Intentionally courting risk, Thomas deliberately over-fires the ceramic works, allowing the material to curve, curl and ripple. The same fluid and buoyant feeling is conveyed in the new works in other media. The artist, speaking of her intentions, has stated: "My work is an intimate and experiential inquiry into fragility and loss. I construct, I sabotage, I reconcile."

Thomas' work has been receiving widespread recognition in publications, as well as exhibitions. Last year, her work was reviewed in the March 2009 issue of Art in America by critic Constance Mallinson. This year, Thomas' work is included in a major group exhibition at the Galerie Jean-Jacques Dutko, titled Fables Contemporaines. The exhibit in Paris, France features a dozen other artists, including Betty Woodman.

Cheryl Ann Thomas' work will also be shown in a major exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. The exhibition opens June 11, 2011 and closes September 18, 2011. A symposium will be held at the museum September 16-17. The show is organized and assembled by Gwen F. Chanzit, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Denver Art Museum. The exhibition will be in the largest gallery of the museum's Daniel Libeskind-designed wing.

Cheryl Ann Thomas received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Art Center College of Design in 1982. Based in Ventura, California, she has been exhibiting locally for the past ten years.