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JAMES L. TANNER
James L. Tanner is a ceramic sculptor, painter and printmaker. His formal art education was taken at Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida (B.A., 1964) and the University of Wisconsin, Madison (M.S., 1966, M.F.A., 1967). At the University of Wisconsin Tanner studied glass with Harvey Littleton and went on to exhibit in important glass invitational exhibitions through 1972.
After that time
ceramic sculpture and the painterly exploration of ceramic surfaces became his
focus. Tanner has written, "I am attracted to clay's sophisticated and varied
plastic nature, the need to work with fire, the use of chemicals, the potential
for color and the material's rock nature. My work is a serious response to the
spiritual dimension of nature." After 1972 his focus
changed to ceramic sculpture and the painterly exploration of ceramic surfaces.
Of that work he has written, "I am attracted to clay's sophisticated and varied
plastic nature, the need to work with fire, the use of chemicals, the potential
for color and the material's rock nature. My work is a serious response to the
spiritual dimension of nature."
Tanner is well
known for his abstract reliefs in which the human face is the central element.
Harvey Littleton remembered that when Mr. Tanner first began working in the
medium of clay he favored subdued, “natural” colors in the finished work. Then
he began to experiment with colored glazes. Brilliant, unpredictable
combinations of color and painterly applications of glaze, sometimes dripped in
thin, Pollack-like skeins over the clay’s surface “made the work really come
alive,”
The artist has an extensive exhibition record, with thirty solo exhibitions and more than 125 group exhibitions to his credit. His list of awards and honors includes two National Endowment for the Arts Visual Artist Fellowship Grants and a McKnight Foundation Fellowship.
Tanner's work can be found in the collections of the Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, New York; Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charlotte, North Carolina; Renwick Gallery of the National Museum of American Art, Washington, DC; and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City among others.
Tanner is professor emeritus of ceramics at Minnesota State University where his teaching career spanned the years 1968 to 2003.
To enlarge click on image
Wild Beastings, 2004
Vitreograph on Rives BFK White, Edition of 40
Image size: 24 x 18 inches; paper size: 29 ˝ x 22 ˝ inches $750*
This print is also available in a black and white state, ed. 10 for $400*
Taking a cue from his sculpture, Tanner's vitreographs focus on the human face. He produced two vitreographs during his 2004 visit to Littleton Studios. The first, Wild Beastings, shows a face that seems to be half human, half nature spirit. A surreal juxtaposition of organic shapes animated by energetic drawing and intense color gives form the the demi-god. The way that the component parts fit in together reminds one of the allegorical prints of Archimboldo, whose faces are composed of varied fruits, flowers and vegetables. Like them, Wild Beastings startles, amuses and disturbs. It is an allegory of human nature at its most creative and unrestrained.
To enlarge click on image
Big South, 2004
Vitreograph on Rives BFK White, Edition of 40
Image size: 24 x 18 inches; paper size: 29 ˝ x 22 ˝ inches $750*
Tanner's second print, Big South, shows man's spirit in check. His thoughts are held firmly in place by that ubiquitous symbol of the average Joe: the billed cap. Wild Beastings' cranium cannot be contained by the edges of the composition and his neck and jaw are worthy of a Hercules, but the refined contour of Big South's head fits perfectly in the space allotted for it. The edge of the face is bordered by a shadowy profile. It suggests a template to which the head is to be compared, or perhaps a stern conscience that prohibits the psyche from acting on its wild impulses.
*Prices are subject to change without notice.
To order:
Email The Littleton Collection (press "contact us" below) to let us know which print(s) you would like to purchase; we will confirm the price and that the print is still available.
Florida, North Carolina and District of Columbia residents: State tax will be added to the purchase price.
Prints are shipped flat. Shipping and handling adds $35 to the price of the print.
Payment:
Send check or money order for print(s), tax and shipping to:
The Littleton Collection, 3690 N. US 1, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
We also accept Visa and MasterCard over the telephone.
Shipment and returns: Your print will be shipped as soon as we receive payment. Each print comes with a documentation sheet that certifies the materials used in making the print and the number of prints and proofs in the edition, along with other important information.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase return it within seven days of receipt in the packaging in which it was sent. The Littleton Collection will refund the purchase price on undamaged merchandise.
Questions: Email below or phone us in Florida at 772/595-9845 (9:00 to 5:00 EST -- long distance charge).