This article originally appeared in our June/July 2016 print issue.

Illustration by Jan Šabach

The popularity of ceramics is on the rise. Both established artists and novices “discovering” the medium are popping up all over the place, which doesn’t surprise me in the least. For one, clay is the original open-source media: it is a viscous lump of mud with which anyone can record action, express creativity, and tell their story. For two, ceramics is old, really old: the first known fired clay object—the Venus of Dolní Věstonice, a 4½-inch-tall female figure discovered in Moravia (Czech Republic)—is about 32,000 years old.

In North America, people have been firing clay pots for over 20,000 years, but what we picture when we think about American ceramics, particularly in New England, is probably something European-influenced and less than 300 years old. Maybe you’ve seen a beige stoneware jug donning a swiftly painted cobalt-blue flower, or a statuesque vase covered in a thick, matte, “Gruby-green” glaze, or that collection of commemorative plates hanging on the wall in your grandmother’s house? Each of these examples is part of a historical lineage of skill, knowledge, and cultural signifiers that has been passed along from generation to generation and traded across cultures since Ms. Věstonice was formed.

Roberto Lugo, Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB), 2015, porcelian, glaze, china paint, 11.5 x 11.5 x 21.5 in | Photo by Kenek Photography, courtesy of Wexler Gallery

Today, ceramicists use the medium’s rich history and versatility to design both functional wares—everything from piggy banks to pendant lamps—and sculptural works of art, the most intriguing of which challenge our understanding of what “ceramics” is. Thus, they continue to build on a common, ancient language of materials and techniques, writing new chapters in the story of us. By “us” I don’t just mean the contemporary artists you’ll meet in the next few pages and their kin, I mean ALL of us—humankind.

Michael Boroniec

Molly Hatch

Hideaki Miyamura

Robert Lugo

Top photo detail from Illume, 2016 by Molly Hatch | Photo by John Polak

The post Kilnfolk appeared first on Take Magazine.

Professional and personal challenges aside, I knew my 2016 was bust when Bowie died. As a cultural influencer he was unparalleled; the depth to which his death had an effect on my friends was unlike anything I had experienced from the passing of any other cultural figure in my life.

2016 went on to claim many more amazing creative people. All news was just generally shitty, and the U.S. election left the entire world with a sense of unease, at best, and utter dread, at worst.

What on earth could possibly be “Best of” from a year like this?

When times seem bleak, it seems trite to say something along the lines of “Look! Good stuff happened, too!” But our work at Take is about bringing you the best of the creative communities of New England. When times are trying, it bears remembering that art rejuvenates the mind and the heart.

To that end, we looked back at all the stories we covered this year and are presenting a list comprised of our favorites, our most read, and some stories we think not enough readers had a chance to see. We hope you enjoy giving them a read, perhaps for the first time, maybe for the second or third.

As Take Magazine heads into 2017, we’re going to continue to look for stories about creative people and ideas that shape where we live, and pass them on to you. The year ahead is full of uncertainty; as our creative neighbors continue to make art and culture in response to it, we will be there to both report on, and celebrate, the extraordinary things they do.

Wishing you a very safe and Happy New Year from all of us at Take.

Michael Kusek
Publisher

Connecticut

Red Color Story Fall/Winter 2017 | Photo courtesy of American Woolen Company

Paris, Milan, London, and New York have long been the fashion capitals of the world. Now add Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

Massachusetts

Noel’le Longhaul’s unique style and approach to the centuries-old practice of tattooing transcends our narrow, worldly expectations. 

Maine

Illustration by Rob Kimmel

It doesn’t matter whether you think I look like I’m from Maine.

New Hampshire

Iron & Air

Iron & Air Magazine will quell your motorcycle-ride-through-the-mountains wanderlust when the weather don’t play.

Rhode Island

A tender glance into J.R’s world of big queer feelings, Star Trek Next Gen, and laying on the floor with Scott the cat.

Vermont

Photo by Jewellea Photography | Courtesy of the Wexler Gallery

Roberto Lugo’s pottery will blow your damn mind, mixing classic Royal Worcester forms, graffiti, and some Ghostface Killah.

Top image Nick Cave “Until” | Photo courtesy MASSMoCA / Photography by James Prinz

NICK CAVE, UNTIL, 2016
MASS MOCA, NORTH ADAMS, MA
OPEN THROUGH EARLY SEPTEMBER 2017

The post Take Magazine – Best of 2016 appeared first on Take Magazine.

Past Take Magazine subjects and New England-based artists Lauren Fensterstock, Anna Hepler, and Roberto Lugo are among the 46 recipients of the prestigious United States Artists (USA) 2016 fellows. A panel of experts in music, theater, visual art, dance, and literature have the difficult task of choosing the winners, but they’ve once again risen to the occasion. In addition to being recognized and nominated by their peers in their respective artistic arenas, they are each awarded an ‘unrestricted’ financial reward of $50,000.

Blind Spot, 2015 | Photo by Mike Fleming

“By supporting American artists, USA is supporting creativity, free expression, and a strong diverse culture. Our Fellows cross all ages, ethnicities, and stages in their careers,” said United States Artists Interim President & CEO Sunny Fischer. “Each has a unique artistic voice that expands the creative environment of the United States. It is an honor to support these artists, contribute to their financial security, and to facilitate future works. We are encouraging the best of what American artists can achieve.”

Lauren Fensterstock | Forays and Follies, 2015 | Drexel University | Photo Constance Mensh

The Fellowships allow artists to use the unrestricted funds for whatever they need most, and so to take risks and push their careers forward. Although we’ll assume they’ll use some of it to attend the big party in Chicago celebrating all of the recipients. The 2016 USA Fellows will be celebrated at USA’s annual Artist Assembly in March 2017.

We’re so happy for all the artists on this list. Grants like these make it possible for artists to do their important work that ultimately builds creative communities that benefits all of us.

Steve Paxton and Vivian Beer – we’re looking forward to meeting you! Talk soon!

Top image Kenek Photography | Courtesy of the Wexler Gallery

The post United States Artists name their list of 2016 Fellows appeared first on Take Magazine.