Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery pieces and highlighting the mended part or “scar” with gold, silver or platinum lustre.
Master potter and ceramic artist, David Moss has used this technique in a number of the works on display in his “Journey of the Heart” exhibition at the Gutsche Family Investments (GFI) Art Gallery this August.
“Kintsugi is so indicative of our lives today. We all need ‘mending’ in one area or another,” says Moss. The technique allows the shards of artwork to be restored into a whole piece – even more exquisite than the original.
Moss’s “Journey of the Heart” exhibition features a variety of pieces ranging from free-standing sculptures to mounted wall installations and thrown vessels. He has made use of various clays including porcelain, earthenware and stoneware.
“The exhibition takes viewers on a journey through the seasons of life, where they will encounter the chambers of replenishment and renewal, and enter through the doorways of success and contentment,” says Moss.
An encouragement during a difficult season
“It was intended as an encouragement to all,” says Moss. “The world is in turbulent times and all of us are walking through different seasons in life and need to find strength and courage to continue. I hope to inspire fresh hope and new, positive beginnings, knowing that we do not walk this path of life alone.”
Growing up in the Eastern Cape, and surrounded by nature, Moss believes that his work has been inspired by God’s creation. He is particularly moved by plant and water life which is a theme that runs strongly through all of his pieces.
“With each piece of clay thrown on the wheel or sculptured into form, there is a fresh revelation of how God shapes and moulds us, creating within us new things,” says Moss. “This is also represented in the Kintsugi technique – where a broken piece is once again made beautiful and whole.”
He admits that each piece on the exhibition also expresses a unique part of his own life’s journey so far.
“There are so many aspects to the art form, and clay is so open to experimentation and interpretation. In the end, it is up to the firing and it is within this unpredictability that the excitement of this form of art lies – it is a lifetime experience from which you can never retire.”
The “Journey of the Heart” exhibition will run from 3-23 August. The artist walk, conducted by David Moss, will take place on August 20, 2016.
Alan Straton
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