By Joni Franks
Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with gallery artists Chris and Sydney Argenta about their artistic journey and how they came to Crestone.
While camping in Utah, Chris and Sydney had the good fortune to cross paths with the owners of Earth Knack (Bart and Robin Blankenship), who cordially offered an invitation for Chris and Sydney to visit them at their home in Crestone.
The Argentas immediately fell in love with the quiet austerity of the Crestone community and decided to embark on a new path and build their own home and ceramics studio in the Baca Grande.
Up until then, Chris had been working in his brother’s ceramic studio in Boulder for more than 20 years, creating large ceramic pieces in a gas fired kiln. Upon arriving in Crestone, Sydney did some work with local ceramic artists Bertha Gottleib and Margaret Wilson. Although earning a living and home building kept them busy, the Argentas continued to develop ideas about the future of their ceramic studio and upon retirement, they had the luxury of turning their full attention to their art.
Chris and Sydney collaborate in the studio, and each one contributes their unique sensibilities and worldview to their body of work. They began by creating small bowls with faces, which gained them entrance into several galleries around Colorado and New Mexico. Now their work has expanded to include ceramic masks and wall pieces. Most recently they have begun to create whimsical figures that they hope will make you smile. Their works are both functional and decorative and suggest primitive influences. The pair are drawn to the ancient, and love exploring texture and patterns inspired by Indigenous cultures from around the globe.
Chris and Sydney build complex designs to incorporate into their work, giving it a unique primal look. All their pieces are hand built, using techniques that date back to antiquity. Recently they have begun working with a variety of new glazes and hope to incorporate vibrant color into their playful pieces.
Chris and Sydney began displaying their work in Crestone in 2010 and joined the Crestone Artisans Gallery in 2022. “We are grateful for the local support we have received as we continue to evolve our craft,” they shared.
You’re invited to visit our member-run gallery to view our diverse, high-quality works of art. We will be having a March into Spring celebration on Saturday March 16, 4-6 p.m.
There will be music, goodies, and a free drawing of Gergana’s artwork. You don’t want to miss this fun and free event.
Crestone Artisans Gallery is open during the month of March, Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The gallery is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.