Artist Statement
My work explores the rhythm, harmony, and interaction within communication, balance, and connections through abstract letter forms. I am excited by the expression and connection of letters in calligraphy and handwritten alphabets. The forms/marks that I create echo the flowing of letters from one to another and the rhythm of the writer’s hand curling and moving, pressing and lifting. These gestural marks are created by various types of three dimensional lines of clay that bend, curve, twist, and curl. To accompany my forms, color is also essential because I am intrigued by how colors can communicate similar to written words with their own emotional qualities. My relationship with clay and ceramic materials drives my explorations because I am challenged by their inherent characteristics and want to pursue the various forms, textures, and colors imaginable.
Extruded and wheel thrown lines of clay like calligraphic brushstrokes make up my forms. I cut extruder dies that resemble the texture of ruffles, pleats, loops, waves, and zig zags and push the clay through them to make long three dimensional lines. I like to use the potter’s wheel to make open volumes with smooth surfaces and walls that taper from thick to thin. I utilize both processes to complement the tear of the clay as it is pushed through the extruder with the harmony natural to working on a potter’s wheel. I cut and shape these lines into marks that will later form a larger composition. Once these marks are initially fired, they are stacked, layered, and balanced to capture line and plane in motion. I enjoy the way they interact with one another – where they touch, overlap, cross, and even share a void. These compositions range from pieces sitting side by side to a delicate balancing act of pieces stacking on top of one another.
The literal balance of marks and the symbolic balance of various textures in my sculptures motivate me to develop new marks and a new aesthetic vocabulary. Equally significant is the balance between form, surface, and color, especially exploring the vitality of color perceived by individuals. In the end, the harmonious relationship that I create with form, surface, and color in my final compositions attempts to create a new dialogue within each piece, as well as, a dialogue with the viewer which embodies a metaphor for communication, balance, and connection between myself, the work, and the viewer.