Mary Powers Gosden is a local artist and one of our own Cazenovia Artisans. She is a world renowned artist and teacher of the ancient technique of Oils on Porcelain. Now she has made the leap from painter to author, with the publication of her first book, “Art Deco Design: A Workbook.”
This workbook is the first of its kind in the world of oils on porcelain, and is a method book for learning how Gosden designs her art deco pieces, which are largely influenced by the design of William Van Alen’s iconic art deco masterpiece: the Chrysler Building in Manhattan.
Gosden lived for many years near Manhattan and the art deco buildings and other structures, such as bridges, influenced her artwork greatly. The world of painting on porcelain in the USA and Canada has long been seen as florals and fruit, painted on tea sets, plates, and other utilitarian objects.
Gosden has a goal of pushing this medium (which is over 2000 years old) into the forefront in both the public eye as well as in the fine art field. She paints any subject (except florals and fruit) on any porcelain and bone china surface, whether a utilitarian object, or a tile to be matted and framed for hanging. It is a permanent canvas, since each layer of paint is fired in a kiln at over 1550 degrees Fahrenheit. Her subjects of architecture and clockworks and glass and metal are what makes her different in the world and keeps her busy teaching thought Europe, USA and Canada. In 2018 her teaching will include Australia.
The book is not just for porcelain painters. It is a design workbook, suitable for teaching about the art deco period of design, as well as a step by step, line by line method of how Gosden designs her Chrysler Building inspired works. From children to college students to retirees the book is interesting and fun allows a rare insight into the workings of this local artist and designer’s mind.
Cazenovia Artisans is proud to announce this new artist in our midst, and will hold a special reception and Book Signing on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 1-4 pm. Please come in, have some cider and meet the author and see how her design mind works.
