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Natural world inspires forms of Marianist’s works in clay

“The Many Dimensions of Clay,” an exhibition by Brother Don Smith, runs May 13 through June 28 at Gallery St. John at Mount Saint John-Bergamo, 4400 Shakertown Road, in Beavercreek.

Contributed photo “The Many Dimensions of Clay,” an exhibition by Brother Don Smith, runs May 13 through June 28 at Gallery St. John at Mount Saint John-Bergamo, 4400 Shakertown Road, in Beavercreek.

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By Diana Blowers, Contributing Writer 7:50 AM Thursday, May 7, 2009

Don Smith, a Marianist and artist, was first introduced to clay during his senior year of college, and he’s been developing his skills for the past 50 years.

Those skills will be on display in the exhibition “The Many Dimensions of Clay,” from May 13 through June 28 at Gallery Saint John on the Mount Saint John/Bergamo campus, located at 4400 Shakertown Road in Beavercreek.

“I think what has kept me fascinated with clay work is its flexibility. I have a tendency to be a control freak, and clay will not allow that. It has, you might say, a mind of its own,” Brother Don said.

“When I am throwing a pot on the wheel, the pressure of my fingers and the motion of the wheel will often take me to forms that I had not set out to accomplish,” he said.

One specialty form of pottery that will be on display during the free exhibit is Raku, an Oriental form of glazing and firing clay that Brother Don has been practicing for 25 years. It is a technique that uses a reduction method resulting in crackled glazes with luster finishes.

Other dimensions of clay use will be on exhibit, including that thrown on a wheel, formed with slabs and made with coils.

The exhibit includes works suitable for wall display, tiles arranged to form representations of religious themes and a variety of vases and bowls.

After having spent most of his career in various Marianist ministries, high schools, retreat centers and the University of Dayton, Brother Don, who also does pencil drawings, is now a full-time professional artist.

His annual exhibit at Gallery Saint John began in 1990. He has completed commissioned work throughout the United States and abroad, and his work can be found in many private collections.

Many of the pottery pieces for “The Many Dimensions of Clay” incorporate the use of leaves.

“I have grown to depend on forms found in nature, especially leaves. A lot of my work will include impressions of them. Leaves are one of God’s unique creations, and I am always fascinated by their design and unlimited possibilities,” he said.

“I hope people are able to discover the many ways that clay can be used to highlight the wonders of nature. I, myself, am constantly finding new ways to play with clay in order to express my own appreciation of our surroundings,” Smith said.

“As a Marianist Brother, I am somewhat contemplative, and working so close to nature, I am able to reflect on God’s hand in creation and feel closer to that aspect of our creator,” he said.