Ceramic artist Margret Hesler Hynes explores the art of kintsugi in new Kortman exhibition opening July 19th.

  

 Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with a lacquer of gold, silver, or platinum. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history on an object, rather than something to disguise.
    Rockford ceramic artist Margret Hesler Hynes inspired by this artistic philosophy has created a body of new works in an exhibition titled, “From Broken to Beauty.” Her show opens Friday, July 19th from 5:30 to 9pm in the Kortman Gallery, Downtown Rockford.
    “Mending the damage is not to hide or repair, but to accentuate and emphasize it.  This encourages the viewer to accept, celebrate, and see new beauty in the imperfections,” said  Hessler Hynes.
    Hesler Hynes has been creating intriguing works in ceramic for most her art career not only as an artist, but an art educator.
    “There’s an organic quality to Margret’s theme-driven ceramic pieces. Many of her works have recognizable elements incorporated into her hands-on approach to her sculptural vessels,” says Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky.
     She has participated in numerous shows in the Kortman Gallery including a solo exhibit in 2014 where she exhibited her nature inspired ceramic totems. Images of her past works are featured in “Collection,” an art book by published by Doc Slafkosky and Jerry Kortman of their personal collection of art and artifacts. She continues to make art in her retirement from teaching in the art department with the Rockford Public Schools.
    “From Broken to Beauty” featuring new ceramic works by Margret Hesler Hynes will open with a reception on Friday, July 19th , 5:30 to 9pm upstairs in the Kortman Gallery, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. Her exhibit will run through September 28th. J.R. Kortman Center for Design and Kortman Gallery are open Tuesday through Friday, 11am to 6pm and Saturdays, 11am to 5pm.
    The opening event and gallery are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.jrkortman.com or phone 815-968-0123.