The Work
Explore a small sample of Chris Kroupa’s work over the years.
BROWSE THE WORK
Current scientific research puts life on the planet in simple single cell forms as long as 3.5 billion years ago. The continuous cycle of living and dying and rebirth has been going on a long, long time. During the Cambrian Explosion 600 million years ago, life forms really took off. Creatures and plants of all sorts recycle the elements and molecules of the earth into new life, with the help of the sun’s energy. The Bible also references to creation and the earth, “Ashes to ashes and dust to dust”. In the Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam as translated by Edmund Fitzgerald, number 45 refers to the recycling of the body.
Tis but a Tent where takes his one day’s rest
A Sultan to the realm of Death address;
The Sultan rises, and the dark Ferrash
Strikes and prepares it for another Guest.
Clay Tents is a somewhat creative assumption that atoms and molecules in a clay object may have been recycled many times. The line drawings on the piece have no negative space.
VESSELS
The clay vessel was a key piece to early civilization. It would hold water for transport and protect grains and other food stuffs from rodents, and became part of many religious and social rituals. I have always been primarily a functional potter. Making items to be used has always been my primary endeavor.
