May
25
by Anne Hansen
George Pearlman is a "dual citizen" of the state of Maine on the east coast, where he has a well-established pottery studio, and of Victoria, because he "fell in love with a wonderful Victorian woman some years ago." They share a home in James Bay, where he looks forward to meeting the "art appreciators" in the community on September 11th and 12th.
George reflects, "I have been an artist from my earliest memories, and while my parents didn't know what to do with me, my obsession took care of itself, as there was always a piece of paper and pencil around or a stick and some sand to keep me going. It does not take much to engage the creative mind."
George has been making a living as a full-time artist for 27 years, showing his work around the world. He worked in academia for several years, teaching ceramics and drawing at several universities. However, his thrill for the actual making eventually surpassed his interest in teaching.
George's main medium is ceramics. He brings into being one-of-a-kind thrown porcelain and stoneware vessels with elaborate glaze brush-work on the surfaces. "If I am not excited about what I am making, then it is not the right work. Usually I know it is a good piece if it makes me laugh. By this I mean it sits there complete and stares back at me as if I had nothing to do with it being there."
Even though George has been potting for many years, he says he still feels like a beginner. He constantly explores his "preconceptions about beauty and function." This, to him, is a daily act of daring.
"When customers come to the pottery and truly respond to the work, the process is complete. A wonderful aspect of pottery is its complete abstraction. It does not have to look like something else. A pot can be anything as long as it works, and rarely does anyone ask me what a certain pot means. Still, customers will laugh, gasp, and wonder at what they are seeing, and I love that they are allowing themselves to have their experience without some dread of incorrect interpretation. To me, this is art."
George's studio and gallery are all connected to his coastal home in St. George, Maine. He established the St. George Pottery in 1999, designing and constructing the three-storey building himself. This was the only break he took from making pottery since 1980, but he considers the results well worth it.
George has also been drawing throughout his life, both from his imagination and from inspirations of real life in the figure drawing studio. When not making visual art, he's an avid music lover who plays the piano and drums. Add to that, he's a keen outdoorsman, hiker, and kayaker. As a Registered Maine Kayaking Guide, he has paddled throughout the island-rich Maine coast, as well as the northern parts of Newfoundland.
George Pearlman will be found on the James Bay Art Walk at 101 St. Lawrence Street, #1. Until then, enjoy his fine art at: