Nature’s Boundless Beauty Inspires Potter& Fiber Artist Ann Harting

“Nature serves as inspiration in my life, infusing my art with its boundless beauty. Whether captivated by the vivid hues of a cardinal’s feathers or the timeless grace of an aging tree stump, I pause to absorb the profound beauty that surrounds me.” Ann Harting

As the Red Brick Gallery is observing 15 years of exhibits fostering the creativity of local artists, the upcoming exhibit of Clarion resident and potter and fiber artist Ann Harting makes the connection between art and nature that the gallery has celebrated since its inception, and offering viewers an immersive art experience where culture and nature converge in its stunning riverside setting.

Describing this intrinsic connection in her exhibit, “Rooted Forms: Pottery & Fiber from Nature”. Ann Harting said, “In essence, my art is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between creativity and nature, a journey marked by exploration, discovery, and a deep reverence for the world around me. I invite viewers to appreciate the beauty of the natural world through my pieces.”

Nature’s influence takes center stage in this exhibition, where pottery and fiber arts are combined to create captivating pieces rooted in the natural world. Through clay and fiber, Harting expresses the beauty and resilience of nature, offering viewers a fresh perspective on nature’s rhythms and forms.

The exhibit runs weekends from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, September 28 with the opening wine and cheese reception on Sunday, September 14 from 4 to 6 PM after celebrated theatre organist Clark Wilson’s Wurlitzer 2 PM concert and the Buster Keaton silent movie, “Steamboat Bill, Jr. Tickets are $25, ARCA Members $20 and Students $5. There is no admission fee to visit the gallery

Now living in the Cook Forest area, Ann Harting’s mother fostered her creativity from an early age, supplying her with a multitude of crafting supplies. She began sewing at the age of seven, inspired by her mother, an accomplished seamstress and quilter, and grandmother, a dance costume and pageant dress designer. A skilled seamstress in her own right - she even designed her own wedding gown and her children’s christening attire.

Ann’s love of nature shines through in many of her pottery pieces and weavings. Natural elements can often be found within her pieces, and her pottery and fiber art, combined into one. Employing hand-building techniques, Ann meticulously crafts each clay piece, experimenting with a diverse array of glazes and stains. She even sources clay from her backyard, infusing her work with a sense of place and authenticity. Beyond her studio, Ann’s passion for art extends to collaborating with designers worldwide, refining knitting patterns for publication.

In her previous role as operations manager at an art gallery/teaching center in Pittsburgh, Ann managed daily operations, created all print publications, maintained digital platforms, assisted in curating exhibitions, and taught classes in several mediums, including weaving, knitting, and fused glass.

Ann exhibits her work regularly at galleries in western Pennsylvania, where she has won numerous awards for her pottery and weavings. She has also participated in solo shows and “by invitation only” shows with a select number of artists. Her art is primarily available at the Red Brick Gallery, where she is a Cooperative Artist, The Gallery, at New Bethlehem Town Center, and the Sawmill Center for the Arts.

Describing her inspiration and artistic journey, Harting said, “Since childhood, fiber arts have been a passion, offering me the joy of transforming simple materials like fabric, yarn, and wool into something entirely new. When I ventured into clay work, it introduced a fresh dimension to my creative pursuits.

In my pottery, I gravitate towards hand-building techniques rooted in both functionality and sculptural expression. I revel in crafting earthy, organic forms, often enriching pieces with pressed flora and intricate carvings. Through the application of glazes and stains, I strive to harmonize these textures, lines, and marks, imbuing each piece with a distinctive narrative.

Weaving also holds a special place in my artistic repertoire, drawing me to the intricate beauty of flowers and trees, both in their physical presence and their hues. The rhythmic process of weaving offers a delicate balance of structure & freedom, as the design gradually unfolds with each pass of the shuttle.

While I may begin with a rough idea, I relinquish control to the medium, allowing it to guide me to completion. Whether at the loom or shaping clay, I cherish the moments of quiet contemplation, allowing my hands to translate the whispers of my thoughts into tangible expressions.”

Harting’s website is https://artfulcook.weebly.com. The Red Brick Gallery is located at 17 Main Street, Foxburg, PA, and summer weekend hours are Friday 1 to 6 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday noon to 5 PM. Advance Appointments outside regular hours are available by reservation.  For more information, call 724-659-3153.