The Art of the Frog
Most people’s opinions about frogs are about the noisy, slimy little guys in your gardens. You may be thinking, “Now what do Frogs and Art have in common?” The answer to that is the incredible ceramic frogs created by artist Robert Luongo.
Robert loves to teach. He taught many classes at Frank Massarella’s Firehouse Studio and School in Ojai. That was where the frogs were born when John Schoenstein, who owns Harmony Pottery, a ceramic store in the lovely little town of Harmony on the coast close to Cambria, was shopping at Firehouse. When he noticed Rob’s work, he asked if he could make frogs since his customers were always asking for frogs, so Rob said sure and proceeded on a quest to create these quirky amphibians. They are amazing!
These aren’t just any ordinary frogs. Each has a personality and beauty of its own and vary greatly in size and position, from climbing up the side of a vase to two frogs hugging, to jauntily sitting with legs dangling over the edge of the shelf, to being on its knees in prayer. And each frog has a positive, affirming word written on the underside because Luongo believes in the positive power of written word, seeing his frogs as a way to bring encouragement and joy into people’s lives.
Luongo started as a production potter 20 years ago and has created and sold many a giant pot, but he finds his bliss in the creation of individual pieces for people to enjoy. He takes great pride in making each piece unique and beautiful, yes, beautiful frogs. He says even the mug you drink your coffee out of can have an individual design, glaze, beauty, and feel in your hand.
On First Friday August 6, at 6 PM, Studio 1317 at 1317 Ventura Avenue, will host an opening reception for Robert’s Show of ceramic frogs. Come see Rob and the frogs and see if you can discover all the personalities, sizes, and poses of these fascinating, collectible pieces of art.
Rob is delighted to be creating his work at Studio 1317 where he works with sculptor Lynn Creighton and me, Emily Thiroux, to bring encouragement and inspiration to the community. The studio is open for First Fridays and for Ventura Art Walk. They also host free African drumming classes every Tuesday night at 6 PM, and they have scheduled firings in their kilns open to potters in the community.
The Frog show runs through the month of August. Studio 1317 is open whenever the artists are there working and by appointment. They can be reached to schedule a visit to the studio or to fire ceramics on FaceBook at Studio 1317 Ventura or by email at emily@theheartoftheartist.com
I hope you’ll introduce me to artists you want to learn more about. Contact me through Facebook at The Heart of the Artist. Or email me at emily@theheartoftheartist. http://www.theheartoftheartist.com/category/Blog/