Ceramic Sculptures
A very ancient and traditional medium, ceramic sculptures are popular with contemporary collectors, and ceramic vessels evoke an ancient and perhaps innate human need to hold and process food for survival. Our selection of ceramic pieces emphasizes the importance of this versatile art form that has been cherished for centuries. Each ceramic sculpture holds a special significance, serving as a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and the boundless potential of artistic expression.
Sparks Gallery focuses on providing the best pop art, magical realism, and surrealist ceramic sculpture from talented local artists. The original ceramic sculptures in our catalog are hand-selected by Sparks Gallery owner and curator Sonya Sparks. These stunning sculptures not only showcase the skill and creativity of our local artists, but also highlight the unique characteristics of ceramics as a medium, with its rich textures, varied tones, and diverse forms. By bringing these captivating ceramic works into your collection, you are preserving a piece of artistic heritage while simultaneously supporting the thriving art community in San Diego.
Below is a general summary of the artists featured in our gallery who work in the ceramic medium. We also have FAQs exploring the nature of ceramics and how you can work with us.
Ron Carlson’s work straddles a fine line between cool and quirky, with many of his pieces incorporating pop art sensibilities with old-fashioned techniques and images. His sculptures come in the form of plates, containers, cups, portraits, and other three-dimensional sculptures.
Cheryl Tall’s ceramic pottery is filled with the kind of whimsy you’d encounter in fables and fantasy novels. Her sculptures cover a wide range of themes in teapots, pitchers, and large busts. She includes a surreal combination of mythological beings, people, and animals, among other subjects in her work.
Slipped Jewelry’s high-heat fired ceramic adornments include ceramic rings and necklaces, which display a contrast between elegant gold trims and stocky silhouettes.
Linda Litteral’s work includes bowls, boxes, and surreal figures. Her “Armor Protection” series is a showstopper for its enchantingly organic designs, with each leaf-wrapped figure speaking to the artist’s narrative by presenting internal dialog of the female mind as three-dimensional representational forms of the female body.
Sasha Koozel Reibstein’s ceramic sculptures are a cluster of bright color, abstract form, and organic crystals, often with gold and silver glazes. Each piece is definitely a conversation starter.
Levi Casias provides elegantly crafted mixed-media sculpture that brings forth a narrative about community, culture, and communication.
Cynthia Siegel’s surreal ceramic sculpture comes with rich details that tell a new story at every glance. Her textures that appear to be wood are actually finely sculpted ceramic.
We welcome you to shop contemporary artist-made ceramic sculptures by visiting our online gallery. If you’re interested in any of our display pieces, you may visit the gallery in person, or email the gallery director. Please call us if there is a local artist that interests you that is not featured on our website.
FAQ
Is Ceramic the same as Sculpture? Ceramic is a medium, while sculpture is a type of art. A sculpture is a general term for any artistic creation made in three dimensions (some examples might be: carved wood, found objects attached to one another, or carved stone), while ceramic refers to a blend of clay or earthen materials used. Most ceramics are classified as sculpture, but not all sculptures are made of ceramic.
Ceramic is frequently combined with different mixed media such as paint, household objects, or natural items. While ceramic is able to dry on its own, it is commonly heated in a kiln to strengthen it and preserve the integrity of the finished piece.
Our gallery features an array of ceramic, metal, stone, mixed-media, and porcelain sculpture.
Is Ceramics Art or Craft? Art is a term that can feel a touch broad at times, but you can narrow the term down depending on style and technique. While art can be illustration, animation, or literature, the term craft is a little more specific.
A craft is a physical art object made by hand. Crafts are individually made by skilled craftspeople or artists who possess knowledge of specific tools and materials. A few examples of crafts are pottery, jewelry, and glasswork.
Do Ceramic Sculptures Have to Be Hollow? Ceramic sculptures are best when crafted with a hollow center, no matter the size. Clay runs the risk of cracking, falling apart, or exploding when fired in a kiln.
There are other practical reasons to keep ceramic sculptures hollow. A hollow sculpture is lighter and easier to move than a sculpture that’s entirely filled in. It’s also easier to know when a hollow sculpture is completely dry on the inside.
How Do I Sell Ceramic Sculptures? We regularly curate original ceramic pottery and sell through our location in the Gaslamp Quarter, or online. We have an interest in surreal, pop, and magical realist ceramic artwork. We have currently paused portfolio submissions, but we invite you to reach out to inquire as to the time that we will resume. If you are selling pre-owned work, please inquire about our secondary market opportunities.
