Gaye Lynn & Michael Hodgson: Recent Work
Jan 31 - Feb 29
Opening Reception: Feb 8

After 30 years in clay, Texas artists Michael and Gaye Lynn Hodgson are still surrounded by love: love for one another and for the handmade porcelain and stoneware pottery they create.

“The things that fuel our enthusiasm for the craft today are the same things that drew us to pottery in the first place,” said Gaye Lynn. “It’s our love of function and form, our passion for the process of making pots, and the joy we find in using handmade pottery.”

The pair will have their first exhibit at the Rockport Center for the Arts  Jan. 31–Feb. 29, featuring a variety of works, including vases, large bowls and platters, pitchers and dinnerware. The official kick-off reception will be held Saturday, Feb. 8. as part of the Rockport Art Loop, a free, alfresco, walkable art experience from 4–7 p.m. featuring nine galleries located in the Rockport Cultural Arts District.

“We are so pleased to exhibit the work of Michael and Gaye Lynn Hodgson,” said Elena Rodriguez, curator for Rockport Center for the Arts. “Striking designs and use of earthy color create beautiful, yet functional art pieces. I believe our guests will be impressed with what they see.”

The Hodgson exhibit also coincides with the Rockport Clay Expo held Feb. 8–9 at various locations featuring dozens of clay artists, including the Hodgsons, exhibits, demonstrations, food and more.

“We so enjoy Clay Expo and the energy it brings to Rockport,“ said Luis Purón, executive director for Rockport Center for the Arts. “That, coupled with the Rockport Art Loop event on the same weekend makes it the perfect time to kick off our yearly exhibition calendar with the Hodgsons for a ‘Clay by the Bay’ experience. It’s going to be an amazing series of events.”  

Although both Michael and Gaye Lynn are inspired by the rugged landscape of their Texas Hill Country home, each of the couple’s pieces have the distinct touch of their creator: Michael preferring to work on the wheel, sometimes altering the forms, with pieces in rich, earthy tones, while Gaye Lynn hand builds most of her pieces, incorporating surface decoration and often finishing them with iridescent hues of purple, green and blue.

After building their first wood-fired kiln in 1985, they found the effects achieved through wood firing fit their style so well that the process has influenced their glaze choices and surface treatments to this day. Both artful and functional, the Hodgson creations are suitable for dinnerware and serving pieces, featuring food-safe glazes that are dishwasher- and oven-safe.

“I see functional pottery as an opportunity to create art that is interactive in a basic, daily way,” says Michael. “Handmade pottery can add a grounding quality to eating and drinking.”

Over the years, the duo says they have furthered their education through workshops, the daily practice of work in clay, and the wisdom of the generous clay community.

“The things that drive and inspire me to make pots today are the things that drew me to clay in the first place,” said Gaye Lynn. “It’s about love of function and form, a passion for the process that clay demands, and the joy of using handmade pottery.” 

The Hodgsons’ distinctive artworks have appeared in numerous shows and exhibits throughout Texas and beyond such as Texas Clay Festival – Gruene; Art of the Pot – Austin; and The Cup Show at Eye of the Dog Art Center – San Marcos.  

In addition to the Feb. 8 opening reception of their exhibit during Rockport Art Loop, the Hodgsons will also host demos on Sunday, Feb. 9 as part of the Clay Expo in downtown Rockport. Organized by the Aransas County Council on Aging, the 18th annual two-day Expo includes numerous exhibits and activities including The Bountiful Bowl Pottery Fair, returning to Rockport–Fulton High School on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with admission of $5. In addition to the works of 30 talented Texas potters, the Bountiful Bowl event also features the traditional Soups and Bowls luncheon at the high school from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., offering delicious soups prepared and donated by local chefs, served in handmade keepsake bowls donated by the artists. The luncheon is $10 per person with proceeds going to benefit the Meals on Wheels Program. A complete schedule of Clay Expo events is available at bountifulbowl.org.

Rockport Center for the Arts is located in downtown Rockport, at Estelle Stair Gallery, 406 S. Austin St. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is always free and open to the public. Visit rockportartcenter.com or call (361) 729-5519 for more information.

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