VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Archway Gallery presents Teaming with Fish, an exhibition featuring fine porcelain and stoneware works by V. Chin and metal fish sculpture works by guest artist John Barber. The exhibition will be on view December 3, 2011 through January 5, 2012. The artists will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 5 – 8 pm, with an artists’ talk at 6:30 pm at the gallery.

Vorakit Chinookoswong, known widely as V. Chin, has been crafting fine porcelain and stoneware pieces for more than 30 years. An experienced participant in juried art festivals and gallery shows throughout Texas, Chin creates glossy stoneware vases, bowls, cups and other pieces bearing his signature clay frog. Striving for a balance between aesthetics and function, Chin's subtle glazing adds an extraordinary level of elegance to his pottery. His work truly represents a complete harmonization of skill, creativity and heart.

Chin, who was born in Bangkok and grew up in Japan, gained an appreciation for balance working under Japanese potters. Early in his career, he received a degree from the Kyoto Institute of Technology in inorganic materials and then went on to serve as an apprentice to a well-known Japanese potter. He moved to the United States in 1980 and established his studio in Seabrook, Texas. His distinctive style emerged and many of his works began to feature a very distinctive small frog. Other works are reminiscent of ancient, museum quality, fine porcelain with delicate designs.

His distinctive style and excellence in his craft has gained him many local, national and international followers. Archway Gallery Director John Slaby stated, “It is not unusual for V. Chin’s entire exhibition of work to sell out. There have been times when the red “sold” stickers come out as he uncrates his work for the exhibit.” His unique and elegant works of art are featured in prominent galleries and private collections around the world. In addition to creating his art, Chin also teaches pottery in the Houston Heights.

Knowing that he and his friend and metal fish sculptor, John Barber, both understand that fulfillment is defined as the simple harmony between a man and the work he performs, Chin invited Barber to join him as Archway’s guest featured artist for this exhibit.

Barber works in metal and carbon steel and has made his living in the field of museum exhibit work over the past 30 years, wearing many hats such as exhibit artist, designer, shop supervisor and project manager. He has worked for several natural history museums including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where he designed and built the armature for the huge Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton that stands guard over the Dinosaur Hall.

In 1994, he started his own design shop, John Barber Studios. His clients include the Aviation Hall of Fame in Galveston, the Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, the Texas City Museum, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and Butler Longhorn Museum in League City.

Pictured above:  a work by John Barber.