Artists Archives of the Western Reserve

Gallery hours:
Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday:
10am - 4pm;
Saturday:
12pm - 4pm
(or by appointment)

Contact info:
1834 E. 123rd St.
Cleveland, Ohio
44106-1910
(216) 721-9020 Tel.
(216) 721-8520 Fax
info
@ArtistsArchives.org

•Driving Directions

Your Tax Deductible
Donation Helps Us to
Preserve Ohio's Art.

Read our Blog

Follow us on Facebook

Artists : Kathleen Totter Class of 2001

Kathleen Totter, recipient of an MA in Ceramics from Kent State University, has participated in numerous workshops in the medium, as well as in paper, fiber, sculpture, and computer graphics. A sense of spirituality infuses her Raku, paper, and fiber works. Totter�s deep concern with man�s inability to maintain nature�s virgin forests, water and air has recently become a focus of her work. She senses a spiritual cry from Mother Earth to heal her gaping wounds and to help balance life�s eternal cycle. Using earthy materials, Totter sees a mystical link between man and nature. In executing her handmade paper, Totter uses the Oriental method of breaking down the plant fibers by cooking them, then beating them to form textural sheets. Sometimes fibers are left in their natural form, others are treated with bleach, dye, or pigment. The method of firing Raku offers the potter a spiritual connection and insight into himself and his craft. Totter explains, �Although an experienced potter can predict the outcome of a firing, the excitement of the unknown is always present. Taking a red hot vessel from the kiln with tongs and placing it in a container of straw for a reduction firing, then quenching it with water to retain the copper lusters or gold metallics, is always a moment of wonder and excitement.� These lusters, combined with landscape imagery and textured surfaces play an important role in all of her vessels. The simplicity of form reflects an Oriental influence and there are not two exactly alike. Working in the medium for over twenty years, Totter was a rare and privileged guest of Mr. Raku at his studio in Kyoto in 1978. Totter exhibits her award winning work in many galleries and museums and markets her work nationally.

	Our programming is made possible with the support of the Davis Art Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, the John P. Murphy Foundation, the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation, the George Gund Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, and the Chrysler Foundation. Sponsers include:

back to top