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Ceremonial Kimono Pair Wall Hanging
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Derek Voien

Code:865

Title: Ceremonial Kimono Pair Wall Hanging

Dimensions: 17 x 36 x 2"

Weight: 26.0 lbs.

Description:

The use of texture and color are fascinating elements to explore when trying to express an image.  The kimono is an image of grace, ceremony, and often power.  These two kimono pieces are the yin and yang of this couple, offering different but complimentary energies that make them stronger together than apart.  The exotic wood behind anchors them and bring out the richness of the glazes. They are surrounded by symbols of prosperity,  growth, and a deference to their own spiritual side. 

Price: $1,500.00

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Derek Voien

Biography

Derek Voien was finishing his Biology Degree at U.C.I. Irvine and applying to medical school, when he took his first ceramics class for a fun diversion.  It was his first art class.  He was accepted into medical school but deferred going for a year in order to wrap up his molecular biology research project.  During that year, he took another ceramic class and then another.  By the time he concluded his science research and was scheduled to leave to study medicine, he realized his true passion was in clay.  In a leap of faith, he turned down medical school, bought a kiln and a potters wheel, and pursued what many thought was a crazy dream to become an artist.

Being an artist is a process of finding your voice, finding your joy, and allowing the act of creation to evolve and transform you and your work.  Patience and a little humor helps too.


Artist Statement

I am a ceramic artist.  I take clay, water, fire, and minerals, transforming  and alchemizing these elements into objects of use and, I hope, beauty.

I am drawn to opposites - modern/ancient, linear/organic, clay thrown on a wheel/clay handbuilt, warm energetic glazes/cool calming glazes.  I try to combine these opposites into an harmonious and visually striking body of work.

Clay, frankly, is a crazy choice of medium to work in.  It's dirty, it is fired at insane temperatures, it is heavy and unforgiving.  And yet, it inspires me.  It is earth.   It is a force of nature.  It is deeply primitive and incredibly contemporary.  It is a living material with its own rules.  It is also my happy playground where I can explore these personalities to create and share this joyful tribe of work for myself and others.  Thank you.


Art Education

Saddleback Community College, Mission Viejo  CA  (where I learned the basic skills of wheel throwing and handbuilding) 1988 - 1990

Self Taught   1988 - present

 


Awards

  • Ceramic Scholarship     1990    Saddleback Community College
  • Ceramics Award Winner -      Southwest Arts Festival  2008, Tempe Festival of the Arts  2008/06/04/02, Scottsdale Art Festival 2007,  Conejo Valley Museum Art Show  2007
  • Profile in  -  A Distinctive Style Online Magazine