jon Gariepy
Growing up in Southern California I was always conscious of the tremendous energy of the car culture.
I always looked forward to the LA County Fair where I got my first glimpse of the year’s newest cars, including
the first Corvettes and Thunderbirds. Now I enjoy shaping a likeness of such vehicles as they’ve aged.
Old cars seem to absorb the positive energy of their owners — the elation of owning your first car, your first date,
your first road trip, the memory of that dependable, lovable and weird old Valiant or Studebaker Lark, or the joy of restoring an old car. With this love of vehicles comes the sadness of seeing your favorite old vehicle aging and
fading, as all things must.
Technically I work in a gestural manner, almost throwing each object together. I love rough edges,
ragged textures against smooth, flakes of clay clinging to the work. I want my material to retain its clayness.
I also work very loosely with underglazes and cold finishes, brushing on the finish with wide brushes in
thin washes, drawing on my background in watercolor. Through form, texture and finish it is my intention to
give voice to a simple part of our everyday existence.
