Meet the New Generation

Christopher Knight wonders about the next generation of ceramists (“A Visible Crack in a Fragile Art,” July 23). The younger generation of ceramists are being led by Pier Voulkos (Peter’s daughter) in a new direction, with a new clay.

Polymer clay has led these ceramists to give up the heat and expense of kilns and torches for the simplicity of a toaster oven and a pasta machine. Because polymer clay cures at 275 degrees and can be molded, sanded, lathed, polished, sawed, carved and incorporated with precious metals, a whole new art form has emerged. Once relegated to the craft show circuit, polymer clay, developed in the ‘40s for modelers and miniaturists, has burst on the art scene in a big way.

Jewelry (including faux stones hardly discernible from the real thing), vessels, dolls and sculpture--everything that was once the province of ceramic clay can and is being done with polymer clay.

TRINA WILLIAMS

Fountain Valley