Pence Gallery: Tinderbox, Water in the West – Sculpture by Jeff Downing

Tinderbox: Water in the West includes a series of ceramic diptychs by Bay Area sculptor Jeff Downing that address the critical water shortage affecting the natural habitats of the Western United States. 

Downing’s paired sculptures feature imagery symbolic of the severe drought conditions in our region that are exacerbated by the overuse of available natural water resources. The artist delves into the complex issues of water shortage, wildfire devastation, ecosystems, and conservation surrounding this ongoing crisis through his sculptures. His early interest in maritime culture has led to his installation work in various bodies of water, both locally and internationally, where his elegant stelae function as markers of the water’s ebb and flow over time. 

Downing currently lives in San Rafael, CA, and is a Professor of Art at San Francisco State University, where he chairs the Ceramics department. The Pence is happy to welcome him for his first solo exhibit at the Pence, but locals will be very familiar with his monumental dog in front of the Gallery, The Keeper, installed in 2008.

Exhibit dates: March 4 – April 24, 2022

Public Receptions: March 11, 6-9pm | March 17, 5-9pm | April 8, 6-9pm (free admission)

Address: Pence Gallery – 212 D Street, Davis, CA 95616

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This year, the Pence Gallery is excited to participate in the annual conference from March 16-19 hosted by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) in Sacramento and surrounding areas. All three of our exhibits opening in March will feature ceramic artists – On the Edge: CCA Clay, a solo exhibit by Marsha Schindler, and a solo exhibit by Jeff Downing. The NCECA reception at the Pence Gallery is March 17, 5-9pm.

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Image: Jeff Downing, Pomoxis Reliquary – relic: Folsom Lake California