ARABELLA ARK was formerly known as Gail K. Bakutis.
"The allusions to Zen Buddhism and to the time-honored ceramic traditions in
Japan are presented in Sunset Temple in a fresh and captivating way. The work is
a wonderful enhancement to the National Museum of American Art's holdings in
clay."
Elizabeth Broun,
Director, NMAA, Smithsonian Institution
ARTIST'S STATEMENT:
My ceramic pieces are recent reflections on communion and connection. When I
think of times alone in deep communion, I realize they are the supreme moments
of offering, of opening oneself to the universe. In my studio, I create mystical
temples evocative of oriental architecture in my search for a way to symbolize
the soul's journey beyond time and space. Elements of Japanese architecture and
culture touch each piece: Torii gates, dragonflies, Samurai armor, castles,
fortresses, farmhouses, rice windows, thresholds, steps. These vessels act as
metaphor for the empty space inside, the center of longing and communion, much
as a cathedral acts as a vessel for transmittal of prayer, the cranium as a
vessel for thought. The empty space inside the temple, not the form, intrigues
me. Thresholds, steps, windows...I want to amplify the willingness to
enter--through a door, a passage, even a broken gate--uncharted territory. As I
am a dreamer, many forms are pillow-like, often embellished with thresholds to
signify entering into the dream state. I think that dreams and art shift
perception, expressing ineffable moods and offering the soul a healing balm, an
insight, a respite. A temple is, perhaps, the physical manifestation of the
soul's longing to touch the infinite, meet the divine. My clay temples and
fortresses, forged in the flames of a firing, represent spiritual journeys:
those quests of the soul, which transcend time, place, nationality, race. Quests
unseen yet nonetheless real. Everywhere I want to journey seems to be spiritual.
To temples, shrines, places long out of use, places for contemplation of time
and civilizations gone by, places for solace, places of the soul. The relics I
create take me back in time to such places of mystery and beauty. Floating
Pagodas for leisurely picnics, Palanquins for secret assignations, Magic
Carpets, Cleansing Fonts, old placestime gone by.... quiet places....
Fortresses, places of protection...Temples, places of solace, places of
prayer.