Lyrical Luxuriance
University of Massachusetts Thesis 2014
George Wardlaw Award for First Place
Full-bodied, voluptuous curves reveal the anthropomorphic sensibilities of this series of plant-like, porcelain vessels. Some pieces have been thrown on the wheel and manipulated afterwards by hand. Others have been completely hand-built. Openings, reminiscent of different human orifices, combine with pod-like plant references. These vessels are glazed using a combination of high-fire, white glazes and accented with luster glazes and red-toned ceramic stains. With their fleshy yet floral color scheme, and gourd-like bottoms these organisms seem to close a biological gap between plant and animal. Their various sizes correspond to the notion of the life cycle, with some very small forms, just beginning their journey, and other very large forms that have grown to their maximum size. Like the Art Nouveau, I have been inspired by nature.
Porcelain, a highly malleable medium, allows me to create curves, bulges, and thin, whiplash-curved edges seamlessly. As the form grows under my gentle touch, it takes on a life of its own. This lyrical energy and rhythmic quality combined with the sense of luxuriance gives each piece the sense of an urgency to grow. This fertile exuberance speaks about the fecundity of the forms and their implications of delicate strength.
In the art world today, there seems to be a lot of value placed on shocking or disgusting qualities and ugliness. Although we appreciate the power of beauty that exists in nature, the power of beauty is often overlooked when it comes to art. If I am successful, I will have reminded my audience that there is still value in beauty, even disquieting beauty.
University of Massachusetts Thesis 2014
George Wardlaw Award for First Place
Full-bodied, voluptuous curves reveal the anthropomorphic sensibilities of this series of plant-like, porcelain vessels. Some pieces have been thrown on the wheel and manipulated afterwards by hand. Others have been completely hand-built. Openings, reminiscent of different human orifices, combine with pod-like plant references. These vessels are glazed using a combination of high-fire, white glazes and accented with luster glazes and red-toned ceramic stains. With their fleshy yet floral color scheme, and gourd-like bottoms these organisms seem to close a biological gap between plant and animal. Their various sizes correspond to the notion of the life cycle, with some very small forms, just beginning their journey, and other very large forms that have grown to their maximum size. Like the Art Nouveau, I have been inspired by nature.
Porcelain, a highly malleable medium, allows me to create curves, bulges, and thin, whiplash-curved edges seamlessly. As the form grows under my gentle touch, it takes on a life of its own. This lyrical energy and rhythmic quality combined with the sense of luxuriance gives each piece the sense of an urgency to grow. This fertile exuberance speaks about the fecundity of the forms and their implications of delicate strength.
In the art world today, there seems to be a lot of value placed on shocking or disgusting qualities and ugliness. Although we appreciate the power of beauty that exists in nature, the power of beauty is often overlooked when it comes to art. If I am successful, I will have reminded my audience that there is still value in beauty, even disquieting beauty.
The Lovely Garden
University of Massachusetts Pre-Thesis 2013
Bulbous, plant and body-like vessels strewn across the concrete gallery space mimic the "studied random" patterns that we often come across in nature. Some pieces stand alone while others cluster into groups, giving the feeling that each vessel has frozen the moment the viewer enters the room. A combination of wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques went into the making of each individual piece. Less refined precursors to the vessels in "Lyrical Luxuriance", these pieces demonstrate the inspiration behind later hybridization of plant and human forms.
University of Massachusetts Pre-Thesis 2013
Bulbous, plant and body-like vessels strewn across the concrete gallery space mimic the "studied random" patterns that we often come across in nature. Some pieces stand alone while others cluster into groups, giving the feeling that each vessel has frozen the moment the viewer enters the room. A combination of wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques went into the making of each individual piece. Less refined precursors to the vessels in "Lyrical Luxuriance", these pieces demonstrate the inspiration behind later hybridization of plant and human forms.