Marla Benton - Interactive Ceramics
Clay allows for function and decorative to mix or be completely separate. My style varies depending on context and purpose; pushing the boundaries of sensibility leads me from pure function, to functional with sculptural aspects, to purely sculptural.
Incorporating an interactive aspect to my work is very important, whether it be on a functional, a sculptural or an installation piece of art. Being able to touch, move or engage with a piece allows there to be a deeper connection to the art. A required interaction leaves an emotional, mental and physical memory.
My work is inspired by my life events and stories from adventures had. I incorporate aspects the natural world around me into sculptures. The stories behind the characters that have inspired me aren’t always fully obvious to the viewer – but made to bring out personal experiences that the viewer might have had themselves.
My work is playful. I love to be challenged with scale and perspective. Scale often changes how we look and feel about a piece. I strive to create pieces that people think about days after seeing them.
PLATTER: Hummingbirds 11in x 11in $325
SOLD VASE: Hummingbirds 9in x 4in
Kissing Fish Teapot 13in x 6.5in x 5in $595
SOLD PLATTER: Whales 11in x 11in
VASE: Whales 8in x 4.5in $275
Branch Marble Run Vase 20in x 14in x 6in $2100
Mackerel Teapot - Gone Fishing 13in x 5in x 5in $595
SOLD - Seagull's Hug Teapot 8in x 5in x 7in
PLATTER: Whales (Oval) 16in x 8in $395
A Shoal of Mackerel (size to be determined) $3,800
SOLD Pill Bottle-Red-ish Stripes 4in x 2in
Pill Bottle-Text Me 4in x 2in $45
SOLD Tall Beer Bottle-B&W Stripes 7in x 2.5in
Tall Beer Bottle-Stormy Eyes 7in x 2.5in $65
SOLD Short Beer Bottle-Turquoise Stripes 5.5in x 2.5in
Short Beer Bottle-Turquoise Dots 5.5in x 2.5in $55
Short Beer Bottle-Ahoy Mate! 5.5in x 2.5in $55
SOLD Round Stubby Bottle-Red-ish Dots 5.5in x 2.5in
Round Stubby Bottle-The Sauerkraut Slip 5.5in x 2.5in $50
Round Stubby Bottle-Bottled Impulse 5.5in x 2.5in $50
Round Stubby Bottle-Second Mate 5.5in x 2.5in $50
Large Oval Bottle With Stopper-Pink Accent 7in x 4in $125
Large Oval Bottle with Stopper-Yellow Accents 7in x 4in $125
Round Stubby Bottle with Black and White Dots 5in x 2in $50
Pill Bottle-Turquoise Dots 4in x 2in $45
Round Stubby Bottle with Turquoise Dots 5in x 2in $50
Short Beer Bottle with Black and White Stripes 6in x 2in $55
Biography
Marla Benton is a ceramic artist and educator living and working in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Benton has balanced working in her studio and teaching ceramic workshops. Both Benton’s gallery work and installation art encourage personal connection through text and surprising elements that challenge expectations, evoke curiosity, and encourage interactions and participation.
Originally from small town Ontario, she attended the Ontario College of Art & Design, where she found clay her preferred medium. After transferring to the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, Benton completed her degree with a major in ceramics, studying under Walter Ostrom, Neil Forrest and Rory MacDonald. A few years later, she earned her second degree from Nipissing University (BED).
Benton’s work has been published/exhibited in Canada and the USA. She has received Creation Grants from Arts NS, ArtsSmarts Grants from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and participated in Artist Residencies.