Artist Statement

 

My artwork is a rebellious response to the traditional ceramic techniques. By observing the long-practiced processes, I question and experiment with their purpose and foundation, with the means of achieving a new level of understanding within the materials capabilities and contextual existence. My body of work currently focuses on the relationship between clay and glaze and questions the relationship of these materials in their processes and end product. Through the reimagining of the traditional processes, I reverse or redefine the roles between clay and glaze to create new forms and interactions, or in many cases, complete separation of the material.

 

The work that results from this questioning and role reversal, are several iterations of glaze forming techniques that separate themselves entirely from a clay body. These iterations present themselves as fragile, multi-colored, and at times luminescent. Their surfaces exude a sense of danger and elegance, which enhance the wonderment of their creation. Their structure is currently reminiscent to traditional pottery and slip cast forms, however as this new practice develops, so too will the forms. These works are often presented with a light source to show their radiant capabilities and colors, but also their moonlike surface details. Presenting these works has proved to be difficult, so the environments with which they will exist in is still in the developmental process.   

 

By forming glaze that is absent, or stretching away from, the clay body, the comfortable notion of glazing clay becomes questioned. My goal for these works is to inspire the questioning of our usual practices and processes, to critically evaluate their necessity and the extent of their capabilities.