These pieces represent ceramic work done over a period of several years, recently at MSU, and formerly at the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, where I studied with the residents and community students.
I have been interested in the aesthetic and formalistic aspects of the human form and its reflection in the ceramic ware and sculpture since I began my art career at Montserrat College of Art.
The pieces shown here are a sampling of some musings upon female goddess imagery as it is reflected in our culture, as well as in the cultures of antiquity. I enjoy the trance of throwing as well as the dance of hand building. The glazes are a reflection of my interest in layering of color, abstract design, and glaze combinations. Firing in a variety of atmospheres is key to getting these effects. Building a glaze repertoire is both stimulating and enhancing to the ware and sculpted work. I particularly favor the use of transparency as a numinous element in the spirit of each piece.
The functionality is also a factor, as work can be appreciated aesthetically, as well as used in daily life. Art is my life and the clay medium helps keep me grounded in the creative process.
In the past few years in MSU classes and my studio work, I have come to respect the medium of clay for its boundless possibilities. I am particularly interested in the thrown form as it is related to the human body, and thus have come to my odd shapings and pieced and thrown sculptures lately.
I am passionate about the glazing results in different firings, be it reduction, salt/soda or wood/soda. These environments make for lively pieces that reflect my sensibility and relationship to the human form.
April 2011
