Carey Cherney: Fire & Light

Inspired by nature and Japanese aesthetics, Carey Cherney works with high-fire reduction stoneware and earthy glazes. He also uses a technique dating back to 16th century Japan, called raku, that is a collaboration between the potter and unpredictable forces of fire and oxygen; resulting in unique coloring, iridescence or crackled glaze. His fascination with combining fire and light led him to create a variety of ceramic shades and lamps that drop from the ceiling, sit on tables or rise from ground level releasing dramatic patterns of light. This exhibition presents examples of Cherney’s handsome functional ware, lighting works, art pieces, and garden water vessels.

Cherney began his work as a potter in 1969. He has lived in Bolinas for 26 years and has his studio on ceramicist Patricia Yenawine’s property where they share use of the kiln he built in the 1990s.