Artist Statement

A theme to my ceramic work is a dialog that incorporates pushing the limits of my throwing ability as a female. I create vessels that hint at a figurative form with decorations inspired by graffiti that surrounds me. Wheel throwing almost immediately became my passion in ceramics, there was something about the formation and molding that became so seductive to me. I strive to push my skill level by creating the largest cylinder I can possibly throw. I enjoy pushing these basic physical boundaries of throwing. These forms have evolved from natural organic cylinders to forms having more relation to abstract representations of the female form. The large vessels hint at a figural form because of the contrast that is created with large powerful vessels that demand attention partnered with feminine curves. Showing off my physical strength in a positive sense as a potter has been hugely seductive for me. Mainly I’ve been working with the muse of graffiti as the decoration of my vessels. I’m obsessed with the notion of graffiti as a form of global communication between social classes, I have always been envious of graffiti writers because of their uncompromising ability to throw up beautifully layered tags in a matter of minutes in areas only Spiderman could reach. The two main concepts I wanted to capture in the decoration of my work is the layered aspect of graffiti along with the principle of graffiti as leaving your mark. Leaving your mark cites a kind of visual immortality that I have become obsessed with, but this is also partnered with the idea that nothing lasts forever; things constantly change (graffiti is constantly changing by either being removed or tagged over). So I’ve focused on this idea of the need to leave marks either being physical or mental in ones surroundings. Leaving my mark on the vessels I create is I kind of territorial declaration. Within all aspects of my artistic ability there is a repetitive movement, I enjoy capturing work that has playful with an aggressive commonality. I enjoy making large forms on the wheel because it is an articulation of form in regards to power, as a female potter this definition of strength is a major aspect in my work.