October 28, 2023 – January 6, 2024
As we lose ourselves in lives constructed of distractions and uncertainty, master ceramist, Kelly Jean Ohl, dares us to set down the glass we interact with daily and experience the ancient, prehistoric, and most fundamental substance this planet has to offer. By challenging our minds with unique textures and patterns, Ohl believes interacting with her art will ignite within us emotions of cosmic and instinctual origins.
Using haptics and non-language communication, with her show, Contemplations in Patterns and Textures, Ohl exhibits large intricately carved ceramic pieces sure to provide a unique sensory experience. These new pieces were designed specifically for the Kolman & Reeb Gallery using resources provided to her by her Project Space Grant.
The large, abstract clay forms are inspired by and reference the patterns and textures of our living planet. The earth tone colors reflect the most basic origin from which the clay is sourced. Intrigued and inspired by the similarities between microscopic single-cell organisms and macroscopic land formations, these visuals are an endless source of inspiration for Ohl’s work.
“Kelly Jean has been a Kolman & Reeb Gallery artist since we opened,” says Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner. “In all those years, we’ve admired the interest and excitement gallery visitors have displayed as they touch and feel Kelly Jean’s highly textured ceramic pieces. With her Project Space Grant show, Kelly Jean has created large-scale pieces that I know viewers will really enjoy seeing and feeling.”
Jodi Reeb, gallery curator, and co-partner, comments, “So many gallery visitors stop and pick up one of Kelly Jean’s hand carved clay rattles and bowls. I’m so excited to see what people think of her large-scale wall sculptures. Kelly Jean has really outdone herself with this show. It is sure to impress!”
Kelly Jean Ohl received a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Theatre and Art, as well as a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in ceramics from Minnesota State University at Mankato (advanced education). She also earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan. Her work has been featured and sold in over 70 galleries across 25 states. It is also in private collections in all 50 states and internationally. Kelly Jean’s ceramic work can also be found in public and corporate collections in the US and around the world.