Crafting Whimsy: The Pottery of Cely Chicurel
For over five decades, Cely Chicurel's pottery has silently woven a narrative at the heart of Chapel Hill. Inspired by a love for nature and a dash of whimsy, her creations eloquently narrate stories as grounded as the clay she skillfully molds. Shaped by a lifelong connection to nature, Cely's work mirrors the organic shapes and textures etched in her memories from childhood explorations in the woods. Cely's pottery journey, marked by quiet dedication, began under the guidance of local potter Dorothy Davis. Having fallen in love with clay early on, Cely, now a mentor herself, pays it with her own teaching.
From her teen years, crafting with her kiln in her parents' basement and her hand-built creations, which range from castles to dragons, all reflect a mastery of the medium honed over time. It's more than just shaping forms; for Cely, it's about breathing life into the material.
Crafting Whimsical Realities
Her work strikes a balance between the real and the imagined. While the shapes may echo the natural world, there's a touch of fantasy that brings each piece to life. It's a harmonious blend that speaks to the dualities we all hold. Cely's art transports us to whimsical realms. The castles seem to defy gravity, dragons are frozen in a perpetual dance, and fantasy creatures challenge the ordinary. Yet, there's a simplicity in the fantastical – an artful balance that captures attention. Much like a storyteller, Cely breathes narratives into her creations. Her pottery isn't just about aesthetics; it's about engaging the viewer in a conversation. It's a quiet dialogue between the piece and the observer, where each stroke narrates a tale.
Crafting with Young Minds
Beyond the studio, Cely's legacy is one of simplicity and impact. Her commitment to sharing the joy of pottery as a means of self-expression has resonated with the community. It's a legacy built not on grandeur but on the quiet influence of art. Cely's artistic journey extends beyond her own creations. As a Girl Scout leader, a director at art camps for the YMCA and Christian Service, and the architect of Summer Arts Experience Day Camps for more than two decades, she has become a guiding force in the artistic development of countless individuals, both young and old.
Discover Cely's Pottery at Pittsboro Gallery
For those captivated by Cely Chicurel's artistic journey, her pottery is not just a tale to be heard but an experience to be embraced. Visit the Pittsboro Gallery of Arts to witness and acquire these whimsical creations, where each piece tells a story of nature, fantasy, and the extraordinary in the everyday.
