“8 Fluid Ounces” introduces audiences to new artists and their personalities through unassuming, everyday objects: cups.
The LSU School of Art, in conjunction with the LSU Ceramic Artist Student Association, is hosting its biennial “8 Fluid Ounces” cup show, an art exhibition featuring 130 pieces by 22 ceramicists from across the country.
This unique exhibition, which opened Friday, Nov. 7, is a beloved tradition among ceramicists as a way to introduce visitors to hand-crafted pottery in a fun and accessible way. Courtney Taylor, director of galleries for the LSU College of Art and Design, suggested that cup shows are so special because they can connect to people on a deep level through something as simple as cups.
“That relationship is really intimate and accessible,” Taylor said, “because everyone can relate to holding their coffee or their tea.”
This year’s exhibition was put together by guest curator Ruth Easterbrook, a ceramicist currently based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Easterbrook discovered pottery while in high school and decided to pursue ceramics in college, getting her BFA at Syracuse University in 2007 and her MFA at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2019.
“It was kind of amazing to me that I could create these usable objects and see the magical transformation from just clay to now it’s a pot that people value and love and collect,” Easterbrook said.
The artist received an email asking her to be the guest curator in the spring. After accepting, Easterbrook began her hunt for other artists who could display their work in “8 Fluid Ounces.” Once selected, these ceramicists were asked to send in four to eights cups, as well as a larger pouring vessel.
Each cup is different, with patterns ranging from stripes and squiggles to florals and fruits. The medium may be mundane, but the artists let their personalities shine through their artwork.
“You can really see a lot of different interpretations and perspectives,” said Taylor. “It’s more like getting to meet a lot of different artists through their cups.”
In addition to the exhibition, the Ceramic Artist Student Association is also hosting interactive demonstrations by ceramics students and Easterbrook herself. On Thursday, Nov. 6, Easterbrook demonstrated different glazing techniques for pottery, showing students and faculty how she paints thick layers of glaze to create an even finish, uses wax to define the edges of her designs and carefully wipes away any stray drips of glaze to ensure a clean result.
“Any time you’re able to have this connection to an artist, share how they make things, it’s just a wonderful opportunity,” said Easterbrook. “You can then see the pieces, and then there’s a new appreciation.”
Lance Wilson, a junior ceramics major and president of CASA, will also be giving a demonstration for “8 Fluid Ounces,” showing visitors how to use a pottery wheel and taking suggestions on what to make.
What makes this exhibition event more interactive is that every item is for sale. Guests are free to pick up the cups as they browse the different collections.
“They want to hold it in their hand when they decide which cup they want,” Taylor said, “and even if it kind of looks the same, just the slightest variation in the spout or the handle changes the way it feels in your hand, and kind of your experience drinking out of it every morning.
No two exhibitions are the same — every show displays new artists with their own unique styles of art. Through “8 Fluid Ounces,” Easterbrook and the rest of the team behind organizing the event are hoping to introduce the public to new artists and instill a love of handmade pottery in those who stop by the gallery.
“You’ll be blown away at all the different ways artists can make a cup something really special,” said Easterbrook.
“8 Fluid Ounces” will be on display from Nov. 7 to Dec. 12 at the Glassell Gallery, located in downtown Baton Rouge at 100 Lafayette St. A reception will be held opening night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Gallery is open 12–5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and 12–7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. The Gallery is closed on Mondays. The event is free and open to the public.
