Jack Earl is a ceramic artist that has strong visual ties to Robert Arneson.  Earl’s depiction of iconic and sarcastic images through the use of the traditional sculptural bust is a layered idea.  The bust has long been a symbol of importance and respect, yet the subject matter used by Earl is often a bit tongue in cheek.  For instance why is the dog wearing a suit and why is Madonna of the Woods actually the Madonna and the wodds. He creates questions in the viewers minds, such as “is this serious or a joke” or “is there a meaning that lost to us”.  This mixture of subtle tradition and iconic imagery is a interesting way of addressing some of the questions of art and clay.