3 Dimensional Stretch (Featuring Andre & Virginia Ballys Ceramics, Glass, & Multi-Media Works)

Andre and Virginia Bally’s show titled 3 Dimensional Stretch will be on view December 3, 2016 – January 5, 2017 at Archway Gallery. The artists will be available to visit with guests during the opening reception Saturday, December 3 from 5 – 8 p.m., with an Artists’ Talk at 6:30 p.m.

Artists Andre and Virginia Bally hope to awaken in viewers an appreciation for three-dimensional artwork through this current body of work. The desire is to promote the concept that three-dimensional art is more than just the craft and craftsmanship through which it was created and to elevate these works into the realm of art or, hopefully, even fine art.

The Ballys explore not only various techniques and media but also the infinite possibilities and diversity presented throughout the course of artistic development.

For this show the artists are working with media and proportions that are outside of their comfort zone. In addition to producing work in their traditional media of clay, the Bally’s have stretched themselves artistically by experimenting with new processes and materials.

The Ballys’ approach to the creative process is what makes their work unique. Each work of art is created from a very personal perspective; the thought process developes from their own life experiences, as well as an artistic aesthetic developed and shared over many years. The artists have found the public to be very receptive to this approach which encourages viewers to get to know the artists through their work. Without question, these artists are each other’s greatest influence.

The Ballys rely on each other for inspiration, technical advice, feedback, and encouragement. While they work primarily in clay creating low and mid-range fired ceramics, the artists are now also exploring mixed media and multi-media in the creation of their “retablos”which are a modern take on the traditional Mexican art form. The Ballys also work extensively with sandblasting techniques to etch both ceramics and glass.

Virginia and Andre founded BALLY STUDIOs in 1994 and have been greatly influenced by the cultures and design motifs of the traditional Japanese Potters, as well as the North American Indian Potters and Traditional Mexican Folk Art. These influences, along with a diverse Art and Design background, are reflected in the design and finishes of their work. This, fused with long hours of research, testing, trial and countless errors, make each piece they produce completely unique.

Virginia Bally received her Associates Degree in Fine Arts, with honors from North Harris County College, after winning a Fine Arts Scholarship on the strength of her ceramic work and being featured in the 1991 Juried Student Art Exhibit.

Andre Bally has been researching and experimenting with ceramics, glass, metal and paper for over forty years. Recently his primary focus has been on developing a sandblasting/etching technique which can be used on ceramic or glass.

Together they have pieces on exhibit in private collections in Canada, Europe, Northern Africa, and the United States.

Currently, the Ballys’ work is being shown at Archway Gallery and the Asher Gallery of the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft in Houston, Texas, Texcetera Art Gallery in Johnson City, Texas, and the Makery in Bulverde,Texas. Their work can also be viewed by appointment at their Texas Hill Country studio.

Andre and Virginia are members in good standing of ClayHouston, the San Antonio Potters Guild, and the Texas Clay Arts Association. They are also currently on the Board for the Houston Food Bank’s Empty Bowls fundraising event.