Daphne Art Foundation presents Altars, a solo exhibition of ceramic sculptures by Laredo-based artist and TAMIU art professor Emily Bayless. The exhibition opens with an Artist Reception on Friday, May 16, at Casa Daphne, at 1420 Washington Street. The event is free and open to the public.
Bayless presents some of her recent ceramic sculptures as altars in this exhibition in unconventional displays of veneration that include pastries, cigarettes, lipsticks, and tweezers. The objects honor womanhood, adulthood, things that are precious, or cherished, and intimate moments of reflection.
“From open to close, [Casa Daphne] will change, fill, and take a different form based on how the audience interacts with the works… It creates time and space for the audience to have a thoughtful interaction and consider what the symbols represent in the work, but also what they might mean to them,” said Bayless.
Bayless’ altars are whimsical and amusing. Each piece exhibits the way she shapes the clay during her creative process. Her techniques include slab-stacking and -building, pinching and molding. The altars are architectural and reminiscent of tiles, pedestals, and fashion accessories. For example, Moon Jar Ofrenda for Eve has ornate and delicately decorated handle-like grips that are similar to purse handles. Each handle halos a small altar to an object of affection. The halos are also evocative of flowers, lace, and cake decorations.
Emily Bayless (b. 1988) works in clay and fiber. She received a BFA in ceramics from Arizona State University and an MFA in ceramics from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her expertise is in hand building, wheel throwing, mold making, sculptural installation, kiln firing techniques, and surface decoration techniques. Bayless, who is self-taught in various weaving and sewing techniques, has been living in Laredo since 2020. She is Assistant Professor of Art teaching Ceramics at Texas A&M International University. Altars is her first solo show in Laredo.
Founded in 2019, Daphne Art Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit arts organization that focuses on improving the quality of life through transformative cultural experiences with a mission is to advance the visual, performing, and media arts in the Laredo border region by: providing residencies to artists and creatives, exhibiting and promoting artists, and cultivating arts appreciation and participation. Daphne Art Foundation’s vision is a vibrant Laredo in which the arts are central to our cultural and socioeconomic vitality.
Altars will be on view at Casa Daphne from May 16 through June 27. Admission to the gallery is free. Gallery hours are by appointment. To schedule a viewing call (956) 307-8984.
Contact Maritza Bautista, Executive Director of Daphne Art Foundation, for more information.
