Artist statement: The sensual forms of river stones have been a source of inspiration throughout my life. I hold, examine, stack, skip, and frequently take them home. My journey creating stones out of clay began in 1996 at a time when I spent many days fly fishing on the Big Wood River in central Idaho. That inspiration has now become my passion. What initially looks like rock, stone, and driftwood is actually a trompe l’oeil—they’re unique ceramic forms intended to challenge assumptions about the intersections of the natural and artistic worlds. Throughout the process to develop these forms, I remain aware of the continuum of tectonic and erosional forces that change stone into clay, and then back into stone. On a much smaller scale, I incorporate and repeat many of these natural processes. Exploring the circular nature of these sequences is a consistent source of inspiration and reflection. The emphasis on understated archetypal forms tend to inspire individual interpretation. And from reflection on personal experiences to the contemplation of timeless ancient processes, you are invited to look beyond perceived use and find deeper pleasure in the form, surface, and presence. About: Sonoma County-based Gerald Arrington employs a variety of techniques developed over nearly 16 years to create his truly one-of-a-kind stoneware ceramics. It is a process that begins by throwing a closed form on the wheel. While the piece is still on the wheel, colored slips are added to create the stratification. After a period of drying, he begins the altering process by paddling the form until it takes on the shape and characteristics of a river stone. The resulting pieces are reminiscent of stratified sedimentary stones worn and smoothed by water. After creating several stones in a variety of shapes and sizes, he further refines his art into sculpture for the table, home, and garden.