Made of Clay

Dominic Clay | Made of Clay
November 23, 2024
ARTCRAWL Houston Begin | 10am – 9pm
Art Talk Reception | 2pm

Join us for an Artist Talk with Dominic Clay. We will host a reception and talk beginning at 2pm. The exhibition will run through December 16, 2024. This Exhibition is funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.

Statement
Over the last four years, my journey into ceramics has been both a personal and creative exploration, deeply rooted in history and culture. In crafting these pieces, I am continuously drawn to the heritage and beauty of ancient African art, especially the bronze and terracotta busts from the Ife kingdom. These classical African works inspire me, serving as reminders of cultural resilience, artistry, and identity.

Initially, I sourced my terracotta clay from East Texas. This same sediment contained particles carried by winds all the way from the plains of West Africa. This revelation transformed my work in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Knowing that these clay particles had traversed oceans, much like my ancestors through the Middle Passage, I felt a powerful connection to my materials. This realization ignited a shift in my vision and concepts pushing me to experiment and evolve.

Working with clay is an intimate experience. Clay is soft, messy, and requires a connection between the artist’s hands and the earth itself. As the clay is fired, it endures intense heat and pressure, yet emerges from the kiln transformed—stronger, resilient, and beautiful. This process parallels the human experience, especially the strength and resilience that define Black identity.

The results of this process are more than just ceramics; they are immersive, tactile expressions of Blackness. My work pays homage to the beauty, history, and strength that Black culture contributes to the world. Each ceramic mask reflects the proud and vibrant essence of contemporary Black culture, intertwined with a deep reverence for the Motherland. These masks are monumental in their presence, intended to capture our modern identity, style, and dignity as Black individuals while honoring our cultural roots.

Through my work, I invite viewers to engage with my process of transformation and cultural pride. By sharing this journey, I hope to foster a meaningful connection between my art and those who interact with it, celebrating the bond between creator, viewer, and the heritage that connects us all.

Dominic Clay’s Biography
Dominic R. Clay was born in Fort Worth, Texas on August 26, 1985. He was raised in the beautiful rural community of Karnack, Texas where he discovered his passion for art at an early age. After attending Texas College in Tyler, Texas, he came to Houston to pursue a career as an artist and as a means of self-healing and balance. It was here that he received his B.A.F.A. from the University of Houston-Downtown. Dominic is currently an MFA candidate at the Houston Christian University and is also currently the Menil Drawing Institute Paper Conservation Technician at the Menil Collection.

About Bisong Art Gallery
Carla C. Bisong founded Bisong Art Gallery in 2013 inside a 1300 sq.ft loft located in the Historic Warehouse District of downtown Houston, Texas.
When Carla decided to retire from Goldman Sachs, it was a difficult but necessary transition after 13 years in the Investment Banking Industry. She wanted to pursue her dream of being a Gallerist full-time and make an impact in the art community.

Carla and her team of art consultants love helping individuals and corporations discover meaningful artwork. With each piece of art, there is a story behind it, and Carla enjoys uncovering those stories for clients and art collectors. She finds great joy in supporting both emerging as well as globally known and sought-after artists. Bisong Art Gallery will provide a range of services to individuals looking to navigate the world of art. Bisong Art Consultants aid clients in Art Acquisition, Collection Management, Art Market Navigation, and Custom Art Projects.

Over the past few of years, Bisong Art Gallery has overcome many obstacles, including COVID-19, the historic Texas freeze, and Hurricane Harvey. Carla Bisong stayed positive and flexible during these times, offering a virtual gallery when her space flooded.

Bisong’s hard work has been honored by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who presented her with an official document recognizing her as Houston’s longest-running Black female commercial gallery owner.
Carla Bisong is also the Houston Art Gallery Association (HAGA) president.

Bisong Art Gallery
1305 Sterrett Street
Houston, TX 77002
bisonggallery.com
(713) 498-3015