ARTIST STATEMENT

In our ever-changing capitalist society, the intricate, ornate, brightly colored designs of the past are often thrown out, knocked over, and burned down in favor of bland homogeny. This aesthetic is an apathetic weaponization of minimalism that creates a sense of soulless emptiness. It has taken over our homes, businesses, communities, our world. Personality and originality have been traded in for capital gain. Design priorities now seem to focus on what is inexpensive to build, cheap to make, with no regard for how existing in the space feels. This body of work embraces a maximalist perspective that directly challenges capitalism’s innate desire to render our reality cold, callous, and cruel. In a world where capitalism demands the grind and sacrificing of our personhood in exchange for fast, cheap and easy, this work asks you to stop, play, observe, and bring color back into our lives.

Rebelling against the mass produced, banal designs produced by late-stage capitalism, I revel in the process. Utilizing delicately airbrushed bright colors I create a soft gradient effect on each of my pieces. The transcendent nature of my color palette brings the work to life and emits a playful atmosphere around its utilitarian nature. In my studio, the meditative practice of throwing on the wheel combined with the arduous process of spraying underglazes, carving sgraffito, and selective glazing, allows form and function to come together as one over a porcelain clay body. The richness of bright colors included in the seamless gradient draws the viewer in, and invites them to pick up, handle, use, and cherish each item. A sense of whimsy is found in the enjoyment of a hot beverage, meal, or snack, where color, pattern, and form work together to create an ethereal experience through functionality.