bio and artist statement
Sandy Gekosky has been experimenting,
creating and designing with clay since 1981, when her area of study in college
was solidified by a ceramics course taken with the New Jersey ceramic artist Ann Tsubota.
Her studies culminated with degrees in Art from Rutgers University (1985), where she studied with Ka Kwong Hui, and a MFA in Art History from Ohio University (2005). While at OU, she studied with Brad Schweiger and Pamela Pemberton.
In 1986, Sandy apprenticed with Edward Kaplan and they soon after developed a product line of art pottery together. Today, they are married and still collaborating on new forms and decorative elements. The Kaplan – Gekosky Pottery product line includes kitchen ware, dinnerware, floral ware, tiles and ornamental ceramic art for outdoor gardens. Their work has been sold in numerous fine craft galleries.
Sandy’s designs are primarily informed by the beauty of the earth, wildlife and various botanical forms of the rolling hills of southeastern Appalachian Ohio. Indigenous birds and flowers are the most common elements, enhanced by earthy colors that represent the serenity and naturalness of the wooded ridge top that she and her husband Edward live on.
As a multifaceted individual and a hybrid artist, she can be seen working in various media when she is not in a library. The final outcome of her ceramics, photography, drawings, paintings, and sculpture are a result of the intermingling of all her combined studies with these materials. The skills necessary to produce work in one medium are often utilized to produce and stretch her understanding of a concept, form, or subject in another medium. It is through constant research and development, experimenting, questioning and searching that this energy flows into art.
~artist statement
“The challenge of designing an object that is a joy to use is my primary concern. It must be well made of the highest quality materials that are finely processed. My work should be pleasing to look at, safe to use, easy to handle, and invite feelings of well being and special ness when in use. Whether the art is a ceramic bowl, painting, photograph, or book, as a designer, the above criteria is what I strive for in my studio. It is my chosen path to be creative, my purpose in life. When I’m productive as an artist, and my work flows, I feel fulfilled, happy and satisfied. An additional and very important benefit of this occupation is the connection that I make with the person who appreciates and uses my work. I delight in having relationships form because of my art.
I hope that you find pleasure in seeing the labor of my love, and will hopefully appreciate the presence of this joyful talent in your daily life.”
Her studies culminated with degrees in Art from Rutgers University (1985), where she studied with Ka Kwong Hui, and a MFA in Art History from Ohio University (2005). While at OU, she studied with Brad Schweiger and Pamela Pemberton.
In 1986, Sandy apprenticed with Edward Kaplan and they soon after developed a product line of art pottery together. Today, they are married and still collaborating on new forms and decorative elements. The Kaplan – Gekosky Pottery product line includes kitchen ware, dinnerware, floral ware, tiles and ornamental ceramic art for outdoor gardens. Their work has been sold in numerous fine craft galleries.
Sandy’s designs are primarily informed by the beauty of the earth, wildlife and various botanical forms of the rolling hills of southeastern Appalachian Ohio. Indigenous birds and flowers are the most common elements, enhanced by earthy colors that represent the serenity and naturalness of the wooded ridge top that she and her husband Edward live on.
As a multifaceted individual and a hybrid artist, she can be seen working in various media when she is not in a library. The final outcome of her ceramics, photography, drawings, paintings, and sculpture are a result of the intermingling of all her combined studies with these materials. The skills necessary to produce work in one medium are often utilized to produce and stretch her understanding of a concept, form, or subject in another medium. It is through constant research and development, experimenting, questioning and searching that this energy flows into art.
~artist statement
“The challenge of designing an object that is a joy to use is my primary concern. It must be well made of the highest quality materials that are finely processed. My work should be pleasing to look at, safe to use, easy to handle, and invite feelings of well being and special ness when in use. Whether the art is a ceramic bowl, painting, photograph, or book, as a designer, the above criteria is what I strive for in my studio. It is my chosen path to be creative, my purpose in life. When I’m productive as an artist, and my work flows, I feel fulfilled, happy and satisfied. An additional and very important benefit of this occupation is the connection that I make with the person who appreciates and uses my work. I delight in having relationships form because of my art.
I hope that you find pleasure in seeing the labor of my love, and will hopefully appreciate the presence of this joyful talent in your daily life.”
© Sandra Gekosky, 2012. All Rights Reserved.