By CHRISTINA LAUREL
Written for Artkestry

“Curio,” shorthand for “curiosity,” was coined in the 1850s to describe unusual objects of art. Allison Rose Craver and Lynne Hobaica throw a contemporary spin on the term in their duo ceramics exhibit in The Firehouse Gallery at Genesee Pottery. Although the two had never met prior to their 2010-2011 artist residencies at Genesee Center for the Arts and Education, the palette of the work generated during this past year works together amicably, while the thematic choices are as divergent and curious as night and day.

Craver’s vessels nestle atop powder puffs of fur and plinths. As per her website, the artist is “motivated by the sensitive metaphorical implications of the subject (personal care).” Indeed, one can imagine chancing upon her wide-hipped or treasure chest-shaped, questionably utilitarian, lidded vessels in the powder room of a Victorian mansion. While there is an unmistakable feminine quality to her low-fire terra cotta work, the decorated surfaces are reminiscent of embossed leather. In fact, Craver mixes her own wood stain to use, along with shoe polish and oil paint, to achieve this effect.

My personal favorite is a set of jars, comfortably resting on double plinths, one decorated with vintage rose-dyed lace and creamy undulating velvet ribbon, the other an aerated faux-cement. The mixture of textures and color evoke both the smell of wet earth and dusty antiques.

Hobaica’s teal, cream, and black pieces are utilitarian – bowls, vases, mugs, plates, shot glasses, money banks – with a touch of whimsy in the drawings that adorn them. The thread between human, animal, robotic and mythical images is woven together best in her three-tiered condiment jar, my personal favorite. Rotate the base, middle, and top to mix or match the silhouetted “fat guy,” dinosaur, and unicorn. It’s a reference to the Surrealist game of exquisite corpse (also a staple taught in the contemporary college classroom) and a child’s picture book. Hobaica’s mid-range fired dark stoneware is influenced by, quoting her website, “a childhood at my father’s side, helping him build furniture as his hobby.” Her adult perspective tempered by easy access to these childhood memories makes her work personable.

Both artists demonstrate proficiency with their craft, and a continuity of exploration from their recent undergraduate experience. Craver, a native of East Aurora, NY, received her BFA in 2010 from Alfred University/NYS College of Ceramics; Hobaica, a native of Phoenix, AZ, received her BFA in 2010 in History of Art with a concentration in Ceramics from Syracuse University, College of Visual and Performing Arts. Both will be leaving Rochester for post-baccalaureate studies, with an eye toward their Master’s degrees within the next 5 years. While at Genesee Pottery they worked 15 hours per week, mixing glazes, firing and teaching, in exchange for studio time of their own. I would have preferred the artists’ works grouped separately, and perhaps one showcase piece by each in a larger scale, as this could have resulted in a stronger gallery presence.

If you are curious about “Curios,” head to The Firehouse Gallery by August 25. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, Noon-4pm; closed Sunday. The 1895 converted firehouse is located at 713 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607. Call 585-244-1730 or visit www.geneseearts.org for more information.