Artist Statement
(Current and overall)
Current work
Drawing inspiration from my childhood spent playing in the woods and my adult experiences with hikes and camping, my ceramic work delves into the investigation of the environment. The natural world serves as a nurturing space for me, prompting me to ponder what it means to feel embraced. I explore the parallels between nature and humanity, contemplating the significance of being human in this world. Why do we feel compelled to separate ourselves from nature and exert control over it? By immersing ourselves in nature, what insights can we gain about ourselves? The planet is our shared space, and different environments elicit distinct emotions within us. As for what to do with these probing questions, my answer lies in creating art.
Over All
My materials include stoneware clay, porcelain clay, washes, glazes, and various “tools” used to create texture. Examples of these range from needle tools to found materials from the woods, such as sticks, bark, and pinecones. However, my most important tools are my hands. I use them to push, pull, rip, and repair the clay spontaneously and haphazardly. I use a range of firing techniques including electric, gas, pit, wood, and raku.
I use these materials to support my process, which is deeply personal and reflective of my experiences with mental health. After struggling with disassociation, I deeply longed for reconnection. Nature became my refuge. My work is a tribute to the natural world that supported me during a difficult time and is a reminder for others to seek out the beauty in the world around them.
I create realistic sculptural forms based on nature using a highly intuitive method. The sensory experience of working with clay grounds me in reality. I am on a journey through my mind as I work into the details. I am plunged into a meditative state where I can be mindful and have grace as my consciousness wanders. The small details take the viewer on a calming journey inspired by Japanese ink scrolls. As the viewer examines the work, they discover evidence of a thriving ecosystem: different insects, tracks, and mushrooms on and around tree forms.
Other than nature, my most prominent influence is the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasizes using materials for projects where their true nature could shine. Another point of emphasis for the arts and crafts movement is creating forms relating to nature. Clay is an organic material that lends itself well to natural forms, and I use it to try to capture the spirit of the item I am sculpting. Another influence of mine is Japanese hand scroll paintings which ask the viewer to follow a path around the painting, wandering, aiming to recreate the feeling of being in nature. This cohesive feeling translates into my sculptures and encourages the viewer to be present at the moment. The journey the eyes take around the work allows viewers to get lost in the art while reflecting on themselves and nature. My work asks the viewer to question their own disconnection.