The Art of Henry Gernhardt

Clay is such an ordinary substance, until it falls into the hands of Henry Gernhardt,an artist as intriguing as the sculptures he creates.

Born and raised in New England, he was introduced to the world of art by an Aunt who taught him to sketch and paint. Expanding out from that creative base, he began experimenting with clay as an artistic medium while still in high school. He continued his art education at college, earning an M.F.A. from Syracuse University, a B.S. from the Rochester Institute of Technology, an associate in applied art, and a Fulbright Scholarship to the State School of Applied Arts in Helsinki, Finland.

His expansive career has included numerous awards, exhibitions, commissions and gallery showings of his work. He headed the ceramic department at the School of Art, at Syracuse University. A Ford Grant gave him the opportunity for research in Japan, where he documented eleven ancient kiln sites. He was also the artist for the archeological survey of Philipse Castle. A list of his accomplishments would go on to fill an entire book.

When he began to think about retirement, the pull of sunshine and tropical breezes drew him south to Florida, and eventually here to Cedar Key. At first just a part-time visitor, but now a permanent resident, he is delighted to be a part of the uniqueness that is Cedar Key.

On a quiet piece of land just a little east of Shell Mound, he is busily constructing his studio, and settling into his new home. Plans for the studio include a larger kiln, and a reflecting pool with a sculpture garden. Already hard at work with his potter's wheel, dozens of pieces sit drying on shelves, waiting their turn in the kiln. In what he fondly calls his "alchemy room", are the raw materials he uses to make his hand-made glazes and clays. His potter's wheel sits before a door flung open to catch a breeze, and give an inspirational view of the surrounding woods. The serenity of this natural setting is reflected in Henry's face, as he places a lump of ordinary clay on the wheel, and with a Master's touch, spins it into a work of grace and beauty.

In between the on-going studio construction, and the creation of new pieces, Henry continues to show his work in galleries around the country. His next show is scheduled for October 19th at the Boneash Chameleon Gallery in Cazenovia, New York.

(Editor's note: examples of Henry's work can be found in the following books, American Ceramics by Paul Donhauser, Raku by Rick Hirsh, and New Ceramics by Eileen Lewenstein and Emmanual Cooper)