These are images of work that I used in my Senior Exhibition titled "Area of Manifest" at Western Illinois University in May 2017.
My Artist Statement, accompanying this particular body of work:
Only when we acknowledge an internal problem are we able to fix it. I make partial human figures with various types of fungi growing on them because it reflects this central theme of my work. I am attracted to the unique qualities and versatility of fungi as they function in nature, but also in their forms. Their beautiful and bizarre physical range has always fascinated me. Fungus either grows on dead organic matter or parasitically chooses a host organism to feed from. Ironically, certain types of fungi detoxify their hosts while simultaneously breaking them down. My sculptures are about transformation of the self – the fungi draw out toxic human insecurities, negative emotions, and illnesses. Unwanted habits in one’s mind bring inner unrest that manifest outwardly, which is why the figurative forms I make only consist of detached or disembodied parts of an unseen whole.
I find balance between control of detail and impressionism with clay when I make my work. The human and fungal forms give the viewers’ eyes a concrete anchor while the abstract buildup conserves the roughness that clay embodies. The invasive quality of the fungus in certain places suggests a masking of the person underneath. The growths nesting on the figures result in an eerie coexistence between species in the same way that disorders and unrest would quietly nestle inside a human mind.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Original is available. Message me for price inquiry.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Not for sale.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Original is available. Message me for price inquiry.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Sold.
Small wall mounted skulls. Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Original is available. Message me for price inquiry.
Earthenware, stain, clear glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, stain, glaze. Not for sale.
Earthenware, stain, underglaze, glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, stain, underglaze, glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, underglaze, glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, clear glaze. Sold.
Earthenware, underglaze, stain, glaze. Sold.
Stoneware, stain, glaze. Sold.