Through thorough descriptions of the objects in my thesis show and thoughts about the sources they are taken from, I begin to clarify the over all intention of this body of work which is a combination of memories, observations, humor, ceramic process and personalized imagery brought together to create a fictional garden, a mantel, and a conglomeration of personal icons. This installation is created through the accumulation of many smaller objects to produce larger collections. These collections are intended to
work as initial overviews that pull the viewer into investigating the smaller details.
Through creating a hybrid of an outdoor and indoor environment, I have been able to examine and remake different collectable objects. From objects that are interesting because of their history and their relationship to my personal life, to objects that I respond to visually because of strange proportions, awkward weight or funny colors, I put them together to create a new, larger installation based on my experiences, such as growing up in a household where what is displayed on the mantel is very important.
The pieces I make relate to historical and decorative art, contemporary art, stage props, and toys. What is it that I do to make these objects interesting? What is it that I do to my work that makes it art, or is it crafts? I find these questions of labeling what I make both exciting and annoying. I love well crafted objects and I love art. When something catches my eye, I want to bring it into my world. I start by taking photographs or making drawings. Then I remake the object or the image in my studio. When I reproduce the object out of clay, I usually change some things, like the scale, color, or texture. I am stealing the image of somebody's bush or lawn ornament, brining it into my studio, and remaking it into a character that I use in my installations. After an icon is part of my vocabulary, I use it over and over in various contexts.
I am interested in making objects because I enjoy the act of accumulation. I have chosen to work with this imagery because it is nostalgic, humorous, and playful. It is meaningful to me because I get to examine what people choose to own and how it defines them. It is my hope to create environments that are funny and descriptive of myself and my process.