“The Shape of Things”

A Dual Exhibition of works by Lisa Smith and Frances Parker

SANTA FE, NM — Owen Contemporary is pleased to announce “The Shape of Things” a two-person exhibition featuring new works by exceptional artists Lisa Smith and Frances Parker, opening Friday May 8th from 4 to 6 PM.

The art of clay takes center stage in this event, a lively and imaginative two-person exhibition featuring new ceramic works by Lisa Smith and Frances Parker. Through bold experimentation and playful material exploration, both artists push clay beyond the expected. Reshaping not only objects, but also how we think about form, function, and the possibilities of the medium itself. Working from distinct perspectives yet united by a love of the tactile, Smith and Parker transform raw earth into striking sculptural statements.

Lisa Smith’s ceramic works bring a cast of whimsical beings to life. Figures that seem to emerge from a place where myth, folklore, and the natural world joyfully intertwine. Her vessels and sculptural forms become stages for lively narratives of curious creatures, watchful spirits, and characters that feel both ancient and freshly imagined. Smith’s surfaces are richly animated with hand-painted scenes, where forests, animals, and fantastical figures unfold in intricate detail. These painted moments feel like fragments of stories suggesting journeys, rituals, and quiet encounters between humans and the wild world around them. The imagery wraps around the clay forms, encouraging the viewer to move around each piece and discover new characters and landscapes as the story continues.

Frances Parker’s ceramic works are thoughtful explorations of the natural world, celebrating the quiet beauty of earth’s landscapes and organic environments. Her forms are grounded in a deep appreciation for natural elements. Working with great care and precision, Parker builds forms that feel both elemental and refined. The silhouettes are often elegant and balanced, allowing the material itself to speak, while the surfaces reveal extraordinary attention to detail. Her process is patient and deliberate. Each mark, line, and surface treatment is applied with intention, resulting in works that reward a closer look. What might first appear simple gradually reveals a complexity of texture and depth, mirroring the way natural landscapes unfold slowly through observation. Parker’s ceramics ultimately become quiet meditations on the environment. With their balance of structure and organic sensitivity, the works invite viewers to pause, look closely, and reconnect with the enduring beauty of the natural world.

For both artists, clay is not simply a medium but a collaborator. And in this exhibition, that collaboration reveals a vibrant new shape of things. Please join us and the artist’s in celebrating their work.