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Mr. and Mrs. Gobena
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Thank you for give me the opportunity to say
a few words on this occasion of opening the exquisite display of
our beloved daughter, Sofia T. Gobena.
At the invitation of her father, I was
fortunate to observe her creativity and talent in ceramics in her
studio at the University of Wisconsin in 1996. She flawlessly
demonstrated for us how to shape a pot from a lump of clay on a
potter's wheel. Her action was like magic. She made us aware of
her gift for fine arts, which astonished us.
On the other hand, her varied blown glass
masterpieces on display here at this exhibition were not in
existence at that time. Sofie's media of interest at the time were
primarily in stoneware, porcelain, and celedon (glazed and
unglazed), reduction, and oxidation firing techniques, achieving
remarkable effects. Her brilliant color combination of azure, ox
red, and turquoise are simply beyond artistic imagination.
Sofie's unique and articulated blown glass
works are just exotic. The display clearly shows that she was a
highly talented artist.
Sofia was inspired by Peter Voulker and
Daniel Rhodes. History will record her name among well known
artists like H. Matisse, Henry Moore, and Pablo Picasso.
Sofie's parents have setup a foundation in
her memory. The foundation will help needy students in ceramics as
well as furnishing the School of Arts and Design of Addis Ababa
University with ceramics-making equipment. Your kind contribution
to the foundation is highly appreciated. Enjoy the exhibition!
Thank you for listening.
Mamo Tessema (Ceramist)
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