By Lauren Vaught
Staff Writer

Husband and wife team Kandi and Brandon Manning are the artist for November’s First Friday. Their art will show at The Shops at the Icehouse Underground on Friday, November 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Brandon’s work is wheel-thrown stoneware pottery. Brandon’s work is thrown exclusively on a manual kickwheel.  

“I like the intimate connection between my body and the work when I use manual equipment,” said Brandon.

 He first worked with throwing on the wheel at age 15, but has only got serious six years ago.

“Most of my work is practical for everyday use, all oven, microwave, dishwasher safe,” said Brandon. “I do branch out into decorative pottery when the mood strikes.”  Brandon prefers to use muted colors of glaze to emphasize the shape and form of the work rather than the decoration.

“I am often hesitant to put elaborate decoration on my pottery because I feel that it distracts from the simple forms that evoke elegance and craftsmanship,” Brandon said.

Brandon takes his inspiration from the clean and balanced form of the classical times.

“My series of lidded jars started as urns and over many incarnations became universal containers for everything from flowers to teabags,” said Brandon.  “But I have remained close to the classic aesthetic in their construction.”

Kandi has been working with ceramics for 10 years often mixes various natural materials with her ceramic sculpture. Kandi works with high fire ceramics to sculpt large wall hanging masks, she augments her work with natural materials including; wire, rafia, cloth and handmade glass beads.

“Her work is evocative of ancient cultures and natural themes,” said Brandon. Kandi draws her inspiration from ancient cultures. She creates masks that anthropomorphize natural elements into faces.

“Some of her masks actually represent the faces of ancient people (as she envisions them), and then some are whimsical. But all are drawn from history or literature,” said Brandon. 

Both Kandi and Brandon have jobs and dedicate their spare time to their craft. Kandi, a graduate of Armstrong Atlantic University in Savannah, is the head of the Fine Arts department at Newton County High School, where she also teaches Ceramics and Advanced Drawing. Brandon graduated from the University of Georgia and is now a concrete artist and does specialty concrete staining and painting. 

“The Madison Artists Guild has been a great opportunity for both of us to network and interact with working artists,” said Brandon. “Being featured in the First Friday exhibit has energized both of us to create new and exciting work for the public to view.”

Part function, part fantasy, this artsy duo will have you dreaming of ancient worlds behind the masks and picturing your next meal in the pottery.