Patrul Rinpoche , a Tibetan Buddhist monk once said “ from time to time invite your demons to tea.”  This idea has intrigued me; having tea a safe and comfortable space to meet and disempower your demons.  I have witnessed the sacred Cham dances of Tibet performed by Buddhist monks to an audience drinking tea, as they watch masked demon dancers . The demons representing ambiguity,confusion, greed and ignorance frighten away negativity and strengthen ones’ courage to self reflect and meet ones’ demons.

In my studio, I drink tea , listen to Buddhist teachings, and invite demons to take form through clay . My hope is they will bring strength and courage to the viewer.

Photographer Dudley Dana and writer Candace Crosby present their written and visual images of southern China where they were invited to travel with six artists. Dana and Crosby are co-owners of the Dana Gallery in Missoula, MT, where both are psychologists. Dudley has been Artist-In-Residence in Glacier Park and the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming. He was also a photographer for the America 24/7 Project. Candace’s astute observations add another perspective to Dudley’s images. Their collaborative gallery exhibitions of text and image include Sixth Cup of Tea, Tres Amigos and Raptors.

SHERMAN GALLERY  January 20 – April 8, 2012

   Ancient Bronzes of the Asian Grasslands  presents 85 rare works of personal adorment and equipment of the horse-riding steppe dwellers of Northern China, Mongolia and Central Asia. The bronzes date from the late second and first millennia BCE and bring to life the complex cultures that flourished along the ancient Silk Road. Bronze belt buckles, plaques and weapons of these horsemen are ornate, technically sophisticated and richly patterned. Animal motifs — antlered stags, birds of prey, and wild boars — are a primary theme.

The exhibition was organized by the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, New York.

1. This bronze knife, from Northwestern China, dates to between the 13th and 11th century BCE. Photograph courtesy of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, New York.

   WANXIN ZHANG reinterprets ancient methods and images from his Chinese heritage within a contemporary context. Inspired by the “Terracotta Army” of the Qin dynasty (210 BCE), Wanxin now lives in San Francisco where he has been influenced by Peter Voulkos and many other California artists. His large-scale ceramic figures “twist the historic and the contemporary together.” His striking installation of 19 sculptures is a perfect counterpoint to the Ancient Bronzes of the Asian Grasslands.

 Wanxin Zhang, Three Armed Man (2001), fired clay and pigment. 17 x 15 x 48 inches.

Inspired by the horse culture of the Asian steppes, this rare joint exhibition brings together small sculptures of Deborah Butterfield with prints and sculptures by John Buck.

John Buck, Dutch Warmblood (1999), jeltuong wood and acrylic, 48.5 x 48 x 4 inches;

Deborah Butterfield, Two (1995), cast bronze, standing 20 x 24 x 5.5; reclining 7.5 x 15.5 x 14 inches