Jean Mann’s Carved Porcelain Returning For Exhibition

The last time the internationally acclaimed sculptor Jean Mann presented a collection of her porcelain works at C.H. Booth Library, in late 2003, she offered about 100 pieces that could be placed on tables and other flat surfaces. This year she is returning with another presentation, and is bringing her latest love: Carved porcelain that can be hung on the wall.

“Jean Mann, MC: Carved Porcelain” will be on view at C.H. Booth Library from Sunday, May 18, until Tuesday, July 1. The public is invited to meet Ms Mann, who lives and teaches in New Fairfield, during the exhibition’s opening reception on May 18 between 2 and 4 pm.

While Ms Mann has been carving and working with porcelain since 1970, her first carved porcelain wall sculpture was done just last year. The pieces are framed and matted and presented like a traditional painting or drawing might be, until viewers see that they are in fact looking into a shadow box with a single carved piece, such as “Carved Porcelain Dragonflies,” or a series of pieces such as “Life Cycle Of A Flower II,” which is made up of six separate carved works.

It was while living in New York City that Ms Mann had the opportunity to see beautiful carved ivory and jade.

“It was inspiring,” she said. Working with clay began for Ms Mann with sculpture, progressed to a potter’s kick wheel, and finally porcelain.

“I’ve worked with [porcelain] since 1970 and cannot find anything it will not permit,” she has said. “I’ve worked with other types of clay for over 50 years. Early carving in steatite and alabaster prepared me for carving porcelains. Since it softens while being fired, I find carving dry, unfired porcelain forms remain sharper after firing.”

Two of her works are in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Ms Man teaches out of her home studio, The Kick Wheel, which is at 154 Route 39.

“Teaching, for me, is a way to share what has been given to me,” she said. “I love to see students make their own sense of aesthetics visible.”

“Jean Mann, MC: Carved Porcelain” will be in display cases on Booth Library’s main floor, so it can be viewed any time the library is open. Call 426-4533 for details.