Genisis

Genesis marked the beginning of my career as a ceramic artist and the start of my exploration into scale, form, architecture, and the possibilities of clay. The exhibition was built around three original sculptures, each created with the idea that it would evolve through two additional stages. Three original pieces, each with two further evolutions, allowed me to explore how a single idea could change and develop over time.

My work was focused on transforming traditional vessel forms from European and Asian cultures into large-scale sculptures. Instead of vessels meant for function or interaction, I wanted these forms to challenge that idea and create a physical experience for the viewer through their monumental scale. I drew heavily from Gothic architecture and architectural traditions surrounding the Italian Renaissance, particularly structures and ornamentation from the 12th through 16th centuries.

The sculptures were made from white earthenware clay, wheel-thrown and assembled in sections. I used underglazes and metallic finishes to give the surfaces the appearance of Gothic architectural materials while combining direct and speculative references to historical architecture. The colors, textures, and finishes were also influenced by my emotional response to each piece as it developed.

More than anything, Genesis was about proving to myself what I could accomplish with clay. Working on this scale required a lot of planning and a better understanding of how the material could support these forms. These three sculptures became the foundation for the work that followed and opened up a much larger exploration of what I believed was possible with ceramics.