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Kimberly Dean's "Below the Surface" is Seen Gallery's latest offering from this popular ceramist.

Like her husband, "Pete the Cat" cartoonist James Dean, she is given to sweet-tempered symbolism and visual puns. A piece that incorporates an actual antique pocket watch is called "Making Time."

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But Kimberly Dean is more interested in symbols of inner feelings than humor. "Bound Future" is a ceramic figure holding an egg tied up protectively with twine, a pun with a point behind it.

"Below the Surface" carries this motif forward. Here, the image painted on the figure's dress shows an egg containing an adult figure being held in nurturing hands.

"Re-Birth" hatches out the egg of inner revelation: Here, the shoulders of the adult figure appear in a bird's nest.

Why this rebirthing might be necessary is suggested by "Captive," a dramatic figure that holds another antique watch, one of Dean's signature found objects. A book page collaged on the figure's dress indicates the fight against death and time: ". . . the diary is an effort against loss. . . . I feel that when I enclose something, I save it."

So what we have here is artwork that is sometimes sweet, occasionally funny, and much, much deeper than the doll-like quality the ceramic sculpture might make you think at first glance.

> THE 411: "Kimberly Dean: Below the Surface." Through May 7. 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2-9 p.m. Fridays- Saturdays, Noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Seen Gallery, 321 W. Hill St., Decatur. 404-377-0733, www.theseengallery.com.