Laura Rathe Fine Art (LRFA) Houston, TX is proud to announce Mother Earth, a reflective dual-exhibition of renowned artists Meredith Pardue and Lucrecia Waggoner. The opening reception will be held Sunday, April 7th from 12-4pm at our River Oaks District gallery (4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027). Meredith Pardue and Lucrecia Waggoner will be in attendance.

Mother Nature Exhibition Overview

Taking inspiration from organic forms and patterns found in nature, Lucrecia Waggoner's porcelain installations featured in Mother Earth are a testament to the profound connection between artistry and the natural world. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Waggoner's creations emerge from the very essence of the earth itself, drawn forth in the form of clay. Each vessel embodies a harmonious fusion of human ingenuity and the raw, primal beauty of the earth's elements. Through her skilled hands, the pliable clay is transformed into vessels of delicate elegance, capturing the essence of nature's grace and strength. With a deep reverence for the materials she works with, Waggoner channels the earth's energy into her art, creating porcelain masterpieces that resonate with timeless beauty and the enduring spirit of creation.

In anticipation of the April 7th exhibit, and the unveiling of new works from both artists, LRFA has interviewed Lucrecia Waggoner to give our collectors some insight into her creative process and a glimpse of her new works.

Five Questions with Lucrecia Waggoner

When creating works in your studio, what is the atmosphere like? Do you like to work in silence or do you prefer having some kind of music or rhythmic natural sound in the background?

I work in all of the above, but it depends if I'm working alone, or if I have students in there. On a regular basis my assistants are there during the mornings; while we chit chat, we play all kinds of music to make it fun like Mexican pop, chill music, etc. BUT during the weekend or evenings when I work alone, that's when I get more creative and play more of the tranquil music so I can concentrate.

After nearly 20 years of creating art professionally, and as a former instructor at the Zhen Music and Arts Institute in Dallas, what kernel of wisdom would you now impart on fine art students?

My number one rule for the type of work I do or teach is PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE ... then creativity will come along!

What life lessons have you learned through creating art that you've been able to apply in other non-creative aspects of your life?

I think that's a hard question to answer because my work is so technical and can at times seem repetitive. I don't think that I'd like to live my regular life like that; although I say that and in my day to day life I'm very organized and methodical. I need to let go a lot more, haha. I like to think that I balance work, home life, and FUN ... who knows maybe not!

In the Fall of 2023, you and Meredith Pardue had a dual exhibition at our Dallas gallery called Flow States, where your two bodies of work complemented each other so well. What impact has showing collaboratively with other artists had on your work or on your creative process?

Absolutely!! Showing with Meredith Pardue is total bliss. Besides being a phenomenal artist and a good friend, I'm one of her collectors too! I think her organic shapes and colors complement my work seamlessly.

THE DALLAS SHOW WAS CURATED IMPECCABLY! As an artist it pushes you to give your best self and best work when you know you're sharing space with such talented artists. 

I really like to be paired with other artists that complement my work. Not only because it's hard to fill up the gallery with my work alone, but it also gives the collector an idea of how my sculptural work blends with a painting and balances the room. It's always nice to have that variation, as opposed to having all the same media in one room.

What new elements or evolution have you found in creating your series for our Mother Earth exhibition?

In this exhibition I wanted to show that my work is organic and flows like the rivers, mountains or wind and every element on earth. I start with a ball of clay (porcelain) that literally comes from the earth and it gets shaped into beautiful vessels that flow organically; that is the core of my work. 

In this show I'm presenting a new type of glaze that's not been shown before. The beauty of my work is that all of the elements play well together and can be configured for a specific wall space with different sized vessels, combinations of color, materials, etc. I always say that they are like little snow flakes. They look alike, but are never the same!

Mother Nature Exhibition Preview - Lucrecia Waggoner

Lucrecia Waggoner Biography

Waggoner was born and raised in Mexico City; her culture and upbringing have profoundly influenced her work. Her installations stem from a blend of her journey into reinvigorating ancient cultural artistry and experiences traveling to the far East and scenic landscapes of Texas and Mexico. Waggoner’s work features organic forms that transcend physical space, evoking feelings of weightlessness and serenity. By incorporating various materials in her work, including precious metals, such as 22k gold, palladium, and bronze, she illuminates each vessel, translating the phenomena of the natural world through the versatility of ceramics. At the age of seven, she discovered ceramics while taking an arts and crafts course at the Museo Nacional de Antropología. She later moved to Dallas, earning her BFA in ceramics at SMU. Previously a student of Parsons School of Design in New York, Waggoner has also continued her studies with courses and workshops in France, Germany, and Hong Kong. She has also taught at the Zhen Music and Arts Institute in Dallas.

Lucrecia Waggoner Artist Statement

As an individual I am constantly reaching for growth in every facet of my life. I believe personal growth harnesses artistic enrichment. This is the foundation of my artwork, and it is visually represented in the multi-layered pieces I create, which have at their core, a symbiotic relationship with nature and my journey in life.

My cornerstone of growth and expression is seen in my blossoming flowers and woven tulips. Although, my work is abstract and representational, I still aspire for those who will view the collections to feel an organic serenity. I consider myself a minimalist, but I also strive to show expression which is an extension of my passionate personality and rich cultural background.

Growing up in Mexico, I was always drawn to the excitement, eclectic and bazaar art world, but with maturity I have found a much more rewarding and unexpected depth in simplicity and meditation. My white porcelain medium is a conductor of this peaceful feeling, in which I feel emboldened by and wish to share with my audience and collectors.

Porcelain for me, is a symbolic choice of medium, but there is also intention behind my gilded and colored pieces. I believe, as with life itself, there is room for both playfulness and reflection, and at times, the results of blending these forces is surprisingly powerful. There are times to look within and be content with self-reflection, but there are also times of joy and extravagance, all of which make up a part of my authenticity, personally and as an artist.

My artistic vision is one of minimalism with refined, robust materials, combined at a meeting point between a rough tree branch and a sleek white vessel. Our world is so rich and full of excitement and I think it is important to be surrounded by artwork that allows us to truly enjoy the simple beauty we find in it.

Lucrecia Waggoner's Art in Collections Worldwide

Lucrecia Waggoner is a part of numerous private and public collections; including Toyota, BBVA Compass, Virage Capital Management, Plains Capital Bank, Chileno Bay, Cabo, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.