The work of this Arizona artist reflects the beauty in the desert landscape using vibrant, garden-inspired colors and well-known imagery such as the agave and prickly pear.
 
The Desert Botanical Garden is proud to present Botanical Expressions in Clay, by Jim Sudal.  The desert-inspired mosaics and three-dimensional works will be on display in Ottosen Gallery from September 18 - November 13, 2005.  The exhibit is free with paid Garden admission or membership.  Ottosen Gallery is
open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jim Sudal is well known throughout the Southwest for his desert inspired pottery. Botanical Expressions in Clay will debut mosaic murals and three-dimensional mosaic sculpture -- a departure from his traditional wheel thrown pieces.  Jim's work reflects the beauty of the desert landscape by use of vibrant, garden-inspired colors and well-known botanical imagery such as prickly pears, blooming aloes and his signature design, the agave.  Each piece is handcrafted and signed and no two pieces are exactly alike.
 
 “We are excited to be the first to host this cutting edge art medium this fall”, said Elaine McGinn, Director of Exhibits.  “We are proud that Mr. Sudal has agreed to unveil his new collection at the Desert Botanical Garden.  We believe our visitors will be delighted with the new exhibit.”
 
Mr. Sudal’s pottery is handcrafted in his Phoenix studio from high-fire clay, glazes and underglazes. Using a special blend of the Earth’s stoneware clay that has a sandstone quality, his work is characterized by the natural beauty of clay left unglazed as much as possible.  His style is expressed in simple, fine and graceful shapes. 
 
A graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in business, Mr. Sudal also holds a master's degree from Thunderbird American Graduate School of International Management.  After working for a couple years in the San Francisco Bay Area, he returned to Phoenix and began working in public relations at the Desert Botanical Garden.  With a passion for the desert southwest and clay as his medium, Jim's pottery hobby grew into a full time career.  Jim Sudal’s work is available at finer gift shops a few select galleries in the Southwest.
 
For additional information, contact Melanie Day, exhibitions coordinator at 480-481-8185.