Allow Santa Rosa Junior College art instructors to take you on a spiritual journey with their ceramic masterpieces in the latest art exhibit at SRJC.
The Robert F. Agrella Art Gallery unveiled the work of ceramics instructor Hiroshi Fuchigami and artist Gary Erickson from St. Paul, Minnesota in “Spiritual Journey.” The show opened Feb. 25 and will continue until March 18.
Fuchigami and Erickson created their artwork while visiting Jingdezhen Sanbao Ceramic Institute in China. Jingdezhen is referred to as the porcelain capital of the world. Ceramicists have created pottery there for nearly 2,000 years. Fuchigami’s and Erickson’s work offers a window to China and reflects Jingdezhen history.
“Spiritual Journey” begins with photographs Fuchigami and Erickson took during their visit, outlining the difficult process involved with creating these works of art. In Jingdezhen, ceramic projects are known to go through many different artists’ hands before completion. Each piece reveals a genuine undeniable feeling when visitors view the artistic process and witness the artists’ committed devotion. Every piece of art on display is uniquely detailed.
SRJC psychology major Alexandria Burnett said, “This is the best art I have seen in this gallery since I’ve been going here.”
Peaceful music from Grammy and Golden Globe award winning Japanese artist Kitaro welcomes students as they walk through the exhibit, sculpting an authentic feeling. The art gallery flows with a delightful energy.
SRJC student Brandon Wright said, “This is pretty impressive, and the music is a nice touch.”
A slideshow of photographs taken in Jingdezhen are viewable from the rear of the gallery.
This exhibit aims to capture the spirit of Chinese ceramic art and examine the hard work and determination that goes into creating it while also tying the art form to SRJC.