Jeff Margolin is an artist, a sculptor. He also has been an instructor of ceramic techniques at M.I.T. He works primarily with porcelain clay, a material that he molds by hand. He forms the clay into 3" horizontal strips, which corresponds directly to precise measurements and detail drawings that he creates as blueprints. The piece is actually built by placing these measured horizontal strips on top of each other, edge to edge. Because of the fragility of the porcelain, and the high tendency for damage given even the smallest of cracks, Margolin painstakingly attaches the strips of clay while reinforcing them, making sure they are securely fitted together. Only when a strip is dried can the next be put on. Because Margolin must wait for a piece to dry before attaching another, he is able to work with several sculptures at a time. It is important to note that the strips can only be placed on in increments of three to four a day. Similarly, depending on the size of the particular sculpture, the building process of the individual form alone can take the better part of a week. Once the clay has been built and reinforced, Margolin begins carving a unique design out of the dampened, sculptured form.

At this point in the process, the sculpture is set aside to properly dry out. Any moisture left within it will cause cracking and severe damage when fired. Margolin takes the dried, hardened piece and completely scrapes it, then thoroughly sands it down to ensure the surface is uniform and free of imperfections. It is at this time that Margolin begins his burnishing process.

Often, ceramics and other pieces of sculpture are treated with a type of glaze to produce a glorious sheen effect. Margolin achieves his shine through burnishing or rubbing the surface of the sculpture with a small quartz stone. Interestingly enough, before Margolin can burnish, he applies a thin coat of vegetable oil to the sculpture. Once the oil disturbs the molecules of the clay, Margolin rubs the surface with the stone in continuous ovals. After he treats the entire surface of the sculpture in this manner, he lets it dry and then repeats the burnishing process once more.

Most of Margolin pieces are about transition and contrast-about juxtaposing the gentle curve of a vase with a top crackling with interlocking cubes, or inviting ovals that open to rough abrasive interiors resembling coral.

Margolin adds some intriguing touches to the porcelain shell. The pieces are built up with coils, just like traditional ceramic ware, then smoothed and carved. During the firing though Margolin tosses sawdust on the hot surfaces and drapes strands of human or horse hair on them, which leaves behind charred freckles and delicate squiggles.

Lately he's begun to add a hint of color to the carved areas, just a splash of pink or green-gray.

Please enjoy the new work of one of America's best and most innovative of ceramic artists here at Saper Galleries!