Raised in Greenfield, IN
EDUCATION
Alfred University, Alfred, NY
Bachelor of Fine Arts (May 2021)
Minors in Business and Art History
Artist Statement
A handle provides a place to hold onto — a place to properly touch a form — a connection between outsiders and ceramic creation. Within my practice, there is a heavy focus on designing pitchers, mugs, and serving bowls; yet alterations, such as the attachment of a handle, often remain the common denominator. Juxtaposing print ideas with ceramic design provides possibilities that push for fluctuation of the form. For example, drawings of organic shapes are transformed into paper stencils which influence rim alterations, handle lines, and glaze application techniques. The repetition of these shapes is essential to unifying the form.
Highlighting qualities of clay processed myself also helps to generate new design elements. How can I showcase the beauty and in turn provide a function? How many different ways can one rock be used? When is it viewed as a flaw and why? In the past, material decisions in my practice were made based upon what each media would add to the meaning of the pot as a whole. I’m finding now that material interests are leaning less towards conceptuality and more towards complex design. How can flashing be implemented to treat a surface and place emphasis on line or a specific section of the form? How far can negative space be pushed to still maintain a functional object? Where does the line between sculpture and utilitarian objects lie?
Emily Fedorchak 