The Unruly Ceramic Beings of Kathy Butterly spans thirty-two years, showcasing small-scale ceramic sculptures that hint at both the human body and natural landscapes. The exhibition, Kathy Butterly: Assume Yes in Saratoga Springs, NY, introduces works like “Eddy’s Skirt” (1994), a beige jar-like object topped with pink and white stripes, evoking a skirt adorned with seeds or eggs. These quasi-vessels merge utilitarian forms with biomorphic elements, hinting at the curves of the human body while also suggesting geological structures.

Butterly’s creations are imbued with nuanced spirit and complex psychological states, making each piece both an event and a voyage for the viewer. Her works incorporate folds, indentations, apertures, and coverts, reflecting processes such as gravity, sedimentation, erosion, eruptions, and landslides. These elements connect not only with natural forms but also with various art-making procedures like pours, drips, and spills.

What makes Butterly’s work truly remarkable is her ability to channel keen emotions and intricate psychological states into innovative and riveting creations that are both captivating and vulnerable. Each piece leans forward as if ready to take centre stage, yet it also seems hesitant, embodying an admixture of avidity and trepidation.

Through this exhibition, viewers are invited to explore the fusion of human and non-human in a way that is both abstract and intimate, prompting reflection on our connections with nature and each other. The exhibition is a testament to the power of clay as a medium for expression and the enduring relevance of tactile art forms.