Playful Pottery

David VanGilder first came to the Ojai area in the early ‘80s, as an assistant to the venerable and vibrant ceramist Beatrice Wood. In recent years, he has delved into ceramic work himself, picking up inspiration from his employer, and from Vivika Heino, the late Ojai-based ceramist, with whom he studied just before her death two years ago.

After showing pieces in group shows, VanGilder has a one-person show of his wares at the Childress Gallery in Ojai. The influence of his mentors is apparent, as is an evolving personal style. Wood’s legendary whimsy and love of sumptuous surfaces show up in VanGilder’s work, which depicts creatures of land and sea, rendered with varying degrees of realism.

VanGilder has a goofy attitude toward subjects and a definitive craftsmanship. The combination of the two produces fish--whose gaping mouths seem to be in mid-song--in iridescent glazes, which are rich and multicolored.

A pooch called “Sally” is a 3-D cartoon, while “Adam and Steve” are dancing bears. In “Siamese Kittens,” hapless felines are attached, head to head.

Other artists are never far from his mind. He pays homage to the Heinos--Vivika and her partner/husband Otto--by naming one piece after them, and calls another piece “Miro.”

* David VanGilder, “Ojala Pottery,” through Aug. 30 at G. Childress Gallery, 319 E. El Roblar, Ojai. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 640-1387.