Jul 28 2005
Clark Sorensen’s flower shaped urinals are arrestingly beautiful and at the same time a fascinating combination of functional bathroom fixture and whimsical sculpture.
Though urinals have been the subject of many artists before, never has one taken such a graceful form. These large-scale flowers, deftly crafted of high fire porcelain, create an ironic marriage between beauty and functionality. The strange blend of lyric form and unmentionable men’s bathroom fixture is unsettling or humorous for some and inspired for others.
Clark has reached unprecedented size and complexity for hand building with high fire porcelain, the least forgiving and most difficult ceramic material to work with. The drying period alone can take up to 12 months, yes, a complete year.
Each piece is hand crafted and unique and can actually be plumbed and used as a urinal.
If you visit Clark’s studio you will notice the Calla Lily Urinal from his first show, which is in use in a corner of his workspace.