Jim McDowell at Cavin Morris Gallery

North Carolina potter Jim McDowell channels the ceramic styles of enslaved craftsmen from the mid-19th century in face jugs with a message.  ‘War Ends Nothing’ says the text written into the side of ‘War ‘n’ Peace’ on the left, while ‘Trayvon’ at center carries words that expresses anger at and healing after the death of Trayvon Martin.  (On view at Cavin Morris Gallery in Chelsea through April 20th).

Jim McDowell, War ‘n’ Peace, ceramic, fired in a wood burning kiln; made of high fire clay, glazed with Malcolm Davis shino and embellished with china teeth, 8.5 x 8.5 x 8 inches, 2014.