Artist to showcase new pottery Sunday 12/10/2009 8:26 PM
By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
Once a year one local artist opens her studio and invites the public to see her work.
This weekend, sculptor and potter Ann Burdette Baker will host an open house featuring her new work. The studio open house will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m.
"I open the studio once a year, usually around Christmas, for people to see what I am doing," Baker said.
Baker has been busy creating new pieces exclusively for the show to include a new line of pottery, garden sculptures and Ikebana pots. Throughout the day, Ikebana arrangers will be on hand giving demonstrations, and Noble Breads will sell organic baked goods.
The theme of Baker's art has always been "art inspired by nature," she said. She is also inspired by the human form and women.
"I love the human form, the female face is what seems to come out. I also love nature and tieing the feminine in with nature," Baker said.
Baker's creations are all made of porcelain, which she admits is more difficult to work with, but hold up better.
"My original concept was to make the pieces for outdoors. They are made strong enough but they look delicate," said Baker. "I use porcelain because it has a low water absorbency, so you don't have to worry about expansion cracks like you do with terra cotta. I also like the refined texture of porcelain."
Baker began creating while working as a kayak instructor. She fell in love with the art form and has been able to transition into art full time. Her artwork is featured in collections around the world as well as in gallery's across the nation.
"I like my pottery to be about the shape and the form," said Baker. "I like a beautiful form with a complimentary glaze."
Much of her work is hand painted and highly detailed. She creates miniature sculptures all the way up to life sized. Baker often works on commission. Her studio is open to the public this weekend or by appointment. Call 642-9403 if you can't make the scheduled times.
For information on Baker's artwork, visit www.annbclay.com. Directions to the studio are also available online.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
Directions:
From downtown Aiken, follow Richland Avenue until it changes into Highway 78 (bear right at the fork). Parallel the railroad tracks on Highway 78 east through Montmorenci. Pass Annie's Inn on your left, and continue 0.5 miles to turn left on Old Tory Trail. Go 1.6 miles, and make a left on Butler Road (dirt road). The studio is located at the first driveway on the left behind a brown cedar house. Approximately 10 minutes from downtown Aiken.
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