The Reductionists

The Lost Years

by Mark Tanous

June 18th - July 18th

Reception: Friday, June 18th, from 5 to 7pm

A small co-op of art potters began experimenting with a style of firing they called "reduction".

This technique called for a reduction of oxygen in the kiln, creating an atmosphere of free carbons and carbon monoxide. The flames needed more oxygen to survive and stole it from the glaze and clay body, leaving behind carbon and creating an alchemy that produced beautiful finishes.
As the ware of the potters became popular, they began calling themselves "The Reductionists".

Soon they grew into a social club and a salon that met to discuss clay, firing and aesthetics. They cared only that the piece be visually appealing and not about its traditional functionality. Over the next decades many "potters" moved though the "The Reductionists," acquiring technique and approach then moving on.

This society was very open in a closed way and very closed in an open way. Never denying membership, but never recruiting. Chapters were formed, some very formally, some in a casual manner. Members moved from workshops to clubs from studios to Universities. The movement continues today and we are lucky to have in our chapter one of the original members of the third wave.
So please enjoy the work, and like the kilns glowing orange in the night we hope to..

"leave you gasping for breath."