| Jeff Margolin |
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Sculptor Jeff Margolin works primarily with porcelain clay, creating hand built three-dimensional forms. Jeff forms the clay into 3" horizontal strips, which corresponds directly to detail drawings that he creates as blueprints. The piece is 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, Jeff painstakingly attaches the strips of clay and reinforces them to ensure that they fit together securely. Only when one strip is dried can the next be applied. Once the clay has been built and reinforced, Jeff begins carving intricate patterns into the dampened, sculptured form. At this point in the process, the sculpture is set aside until dry: any moisture left within the clay will cause cracking and severe damage when fired. Jeff then painstakingly scrapes and sands the entire surface until it is uniform and free of imperfections. This is followed by the burnishing process to create a glorious sheen effect. Jeff achieves this finish by burnishing the surface with a small quartz stone. He begins by applying a thin coat of vegetable oil to the sculpture, and then rubbing the surface with the stone in continuous ovals. After he treats the entire surface of the sculpture, the process is repeated once more. The works are then pit fired where Jeff will throw sawdust and strands of human hair onto the piece, creating the mottled and veined effect of natural stone. Most of Jeff’s pieces are about transition and contrast, interior and exterior. The gentle curve of a vase may be juxtaposed with the severe angles of interlocking cubes, or inviting ovals opened to reveal a rough abrasive interior resembling coral or bone. These contrasts are often a metaphor for current social and political issues. His dynamic works possess an engaging and sensual aesthetic, and are inspired by the works of Dali and Giger. Jeff’s porcelain and terracotta sculptures are renowned for their intricate hand carving, delicate forms and signature finish. He has passed on his incredible skills to emerging ceramic artists as an instructor at University of California Berkley, and MIT. Jeff’s work has exhibited both locally and internationally, and features in many private and public collections around the world. His most recent commission has been works carved with designs taken from the architecture and antiquities of Hearst Castle, the estate of William Randolph Hearst in San Simeon, California. Exhibitions 2008 The Art of Architecture, Petroff Gallery, Toronto, ON Group Exhibition, Yaniv Gallery, Tel Aviv, Israel 2007 Group Exhibition, Open Gallery, Northport, NY 2005 Meant to Be, Petroff Gallery, Toronto, ON 2003 Window of Opportunity, Petroff Gallery, Toronto, ON Bert Gallery, Providence, Rl |
