Exhibit: Series: Ceramic Works of Form and Image

Featuring the work of Peter Durst, Heide Cumes, Deirdre Fortune, Cris Lindborg, and Stanward Oyama

Curator: Mina Elison

On-view: Saturday, March 13 - Saturday, May 1, 2021

Artist Talk: Thursday, April 8, 2021, 5:00-6:00pm

Working in series—creating multiple works of the same form—Peter Durst employs color, texture, pattern, scale, movement and imagery to create architectural ceramic works which explore subjects ranging from nature’s wonders to humanity and humor. Taking the artist on a journey, this process of working in series enables Durst to explore ideas which feed into the inspiration of subsequent work within the series, as well as in the creative birth of entirely new bodies of work. Works within these series are cohesive, yet unique, encouraging viewers to more closely examine the similarities, differences, and relationships between each piece. 

This exhibition also features works by four of Durst’s students, artists Heide Cumes, Deirdre Fortune, Cris Lindborg and Stanward Oyama. Teaching ceramics for over twenty years, Durst sees himself as a facilitator, a role through which he is able to help others solve problems, work through challenges and create works which represent the artist’s authentic vision. Presenting the work of Durst’s students alongside that of their mentor, this exhibition demonstrates the physical manifestation of this transfer of knowledge and inspiration between teacher and student. In many ways, the work of Durst’s students is a continuation of his series and validate his skill as a “facilitator.”

“I am primarily interested in creating objects of strength and beauty that are complete in themselves, but also reflect on things other than themselves.  Whether working in clay or other mediums I have created work in series, where the ideas that come from the making of one piece lead to a similar but different one so that by the end a body of work has been created that is cohesive yet individualistic.  And that body often leads in a related but different direction and the cycle is started anew.” - Peter Durst

Peter Durst

Peter Durst has been a potter, ceramist, and sculptor for the past 40 years and has exhibited his work nationally in galleries, art centers, museums, private collections and public spaces.  After receiving a B.A. in political science from Allegheny college and a J.D. from New York University School of Law, Peter became interested in pottery and ceramics and discovered the Anderson Ranch in Snowmass, Colorado.  After getting a grounded ceramics education and developing his skills there for two years, he moved to Denver, Colorado and opened his first studio.  He has maintained Durst Studio, Gallery and Sculpture Garden since 1990 where he makes and shows his work and of other artists.  Since 2001 he has taught classes through the Art Students League of Denver.  Peter is a part-time resident of Hawaii Island, where he has a studio and teaches at the Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa, Hawaii.

Heide Cumes

A native of Germany born during World War II, Heide Cumes moved to South Africa with her family when she was twelve years old. At university, her Bachelor’s degree included majors in psychology and art, both of which competed for her heart. Psychology won out, and she went on to obtain her doctorate in this field. But despite a lifetime of professional practice, art always held a fascination for her. In South Africa, she had always loved observing insects and animals and drawing them, a focused and internal reverie against the backdrop of the sociopolitical turbulence in that country. Hawaiʻi and the Donkey Mill Art Center have further fueled her love of art, working in both print and ceramics.

Deirdre Fortune

Deirdre Fortune is a life-long New Yorker who was born in Brooklyn and raised in Nassau County. Following her studies at New York University, Deirdre had a vibrant career in corporate architecture. In 2006, once retired, she became a part-time Holualoa resident—soon drawn to the Donkey Mill’s creative community. She began learning printmaking, indigo dyeing, jewelry making—and especially—how to play with clay. When back east, Deirdre hones her skills at the Art School at Old Church, in Demarest, New Jersey, where her pieces have also been exhibited.

Cris Lindborg

Cris Lindborg was born in Argentina. While pursuing her studies, art always played an important role in her life. Having lived in different parts of the world, she had the opportunity to explore different media, from batik in Israel, watercolors in Panama, digital design in the Marshall Islands to architectural ceramics and abstract painting in Kona. Her work was exhibited in Panama, Orcas Island, Kwajalein and Hawaiʻi. Cris’ work has been predominantly in watercolor and acrylic painting, but also batik and most recently, ceramics. While self-taught, she has studied and been inspired by many artists, among them, watercolorist Frank Webb & Jeanne Dobie, ceramist, Peter Durst, and master printer, Hiroki Morinoue. She is Director Emeritus of the Donkey Mill Art Center’s Board of Directors and continues to pursue her art in Holualoa, Hawaiʻi.

Stanward Oyama

Born and raised in Kona, Stanward Oyama’s connection to the land has always provided him a constant source of inspiration. Growing up in the coffeeland, he was surrounded by orchids and nature. While his first artistic interests led him to drawing and sketching, as an avid gardener, Stanward became interested in bonsai, landscape design and enhancing exterior spaces with plants and art. With experience working with concrete to create minimalist planters and pots for orchids and other flora, Stanward’s exploration of ceramics began in 2018 under the direction of Peter Durst where he continues to be inspired by the cultural shapes of Japanese kanji.

This exhibition and programs are made possible by support of the Hawai‘i County Council Contingency Fund and the Hawaii County Grant-in-Aid Program.

The Donkey Mill Art Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides art education and experiences to people of all ages and abilities. This includes hands-on classes, exhibitions, and events of contemporary visual arts, crafts and culture. For more information, visit donkeymillartcenter.org or call (808) 322-3362.

Donkey Mill Art Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 78-6670 Mamalahoa Highway in Hōlualoa.