Mary Olson Clay Works

Avian Gallery

Meet Irma, Chrysanthemum, Miss Fanny, Willie Mae, Jesse, Yula, Florence and Beatrice.

They are chatting in the beloved and historic El Zaguán hallway leading to the glorious porch and garden. This show was dedicated to my friendships, sisterhood and beyond that come in threes. I adore that grouping. You have a third to shake things up or give another perspective. My goal was to have them interact, tell stories, take us back and/or offer support. Wondrous for me to express myself in earthenware clay, sig and glaze to share the love and life long connections we make. El Zaguán Gallery and Shop suit my work on many levels. I am grateful to show my ceramics here.

Threesomes

Jackie Mathey took all of these photographs in the El Zaguan garden. Hidden gem in which to gather with friends.

The long stack of birds above is a nod to being the youngest of three girls. A sisterhood threesome.

The conversation, hats and setting by the acequia remind me of the absolute joy of friendship and how it reflects back to my identity.

Irene’s Memorial Birds

My husband Matthew and his mother Irene, wearing her beloved French beret, on the last of many stays in the Dordogne region of France. They are seated outside the Font-de-Gaume cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site, after seeing the ancient paintings within.

My sister-in-law Maude had a remarkable idea. She asks: “would you like to make an Irene bird for each of Irene’s seven children?”
I was enthralled to tackle the challenge of making a pack of birds in her honor. Holding this Irene bird in the ivy reminds me of the love this commission represents. 
Photographer Jackie Mathey captures the delight among this group of birds.
The social side of life resonates as the birds are gathered in a gaggle.

Let me share my process in making the birds:
The body, head, skirt and beret are thrown on the potter’s wheel and then paddled and altered. Gesture, gaze and character are considered in assembly. Textures are a vital piece where I weave nature (corn cobs, seed pods, star anise etc.) onto slab-built wings and tail. Props such as the beret bring the spirit of Irene and her love of France to the bird with a human dimension.

Assembling all the pieces is where the healing and mourning began. Quiet time in the studio with busy hands, tools and clay gave me solace to remember Irene — and also my own mother, and my father-in-law. It was a gift to have the space to process the loss of all three parents.

Three Irene birds pose for Jackie’s camera. Each dons a variation on the beret and her personality.

Once the birds were fired, but before they found their new homes,  I put them into multiple arrangements. Chatting, quiet, lost in their own thoughts… in nature with flowers from our garden. 

The aerial perspective leaves me with a sense of family and of connection to our loved one, Irene. Knowing the birds were heading out to Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington and California (one remaining in New Mexico) brought joy. But nice as well to see the abstraction of bodies, wings, tails and berets from above. 

I will remember the original complete group (11 in all). 
This bird basks in the fall plumbago foliage by my studio. Right at HOME. The project of Irene’s birds left me brimming with ideas for the next body of work. I am thinking of a new flock where interactions and expressions embody the power of love: Sister relationships, dear friendships and community. I see clay birds set up in an installation that brings in other ceramic forms such as plant pots, story platters, baskets and vases. 

Irene’s husband Ron Saroff is remembered in the garden outside the gîte they stayed in for 2 decades in Viralet France, thanks to Ani and Gerard, the proprietors. One of the Irene birds will join Ron’s bird in the garden.

More Birds…