Bernard's works reflect his fascination with the traditional vessel form, as object, in relationship to color. His works range from voluptuous, tapering spherical forms, some more than two feet high, to lovely attenuated shapes, with elongated necks, stretched and swept off center. His palette of warm golden oranges, soft sage greens, true black and colors in between, balances with his texturally satisfying forms. The relationship of form and palette is subtle and rewarding.

Concurrent with Bernard's exhibition, commencing on October 27, is a symposium addressing criticism in contemporary clay. CRITICAL Santa Fe, Developing Criticism: Interpretation/ Judgment is a first of its kind event featuring discussions and roundtable talks by critics Donald Kuspit, Dave Hickey, Janet Koplos, Moyra Elliot, Garth Clark and others. The symposium, organized by New Mexico clay artist, Jim Romberg, will examine criticism in art and sculpture, before exploring criticism as it applies to clay.

Attendees to the symposium will appreciate the technical skill and simple beauty of Nicholas Bernard's work. Bernard makes pots, "I have thought about working in a more conceptual way but finally decided, that is not who I am, that is not what I want to be. I make pots that very, very few people could ever make and I do it very, very well."

In his artist statement Bernard writes, "Form is everything; I stretch clay to make canvases for decoration. Texture, pattern and color are successful additions when the shapes are impeccable. My inspirations are many, from the classic forms of antiquity to the simple, graceful pots made by indigenous peoples and the work of modern studio potters. This current body of work deals with simple clean form. Handles and other flourishes are conspicuously lacking. Dramatic color and subtle texture accentuate what I hope is a mastery of the traditional vessel form. I want to simplify the visual experience. I seek to create flawless forms that speak of five thousand years of ceramic tradition."

Bernard has been creating clay vessels for more than thirty years. It is all he does. Sometimes the vessels survive firings, sometimes they don't and his backyard is festooned with wreckage from his kiln. Clay shards cover nearly all the surfaces and have become part of the landscaping. When asked how long it takes to throw, fire, color and complete a vessel, Bernard laughs. "I tell people it takes thirty years, because that's how long it takes to master the techniques."

Bernard's thrown vessels begin with white earthenware clay. By layering the colored slips and oxides, he creates the color and texture that are his trademark. All pieces are fired to Cone 3 or 2000 degrees.

Bernard will attend the opening reception for exhibition on Friday, October 15, beginning at 5:00. The show will continue through November 7, 2010.