Artist Statement
I want to be like the sediment in the soil
So I buried myself alive
To nd truth again
To nd myself again.
My work centers on the Black body and its methods of remembering, maintaining, and perpetuating itself. The experience of Black Americans is one that is dicult to dene. Easily explained through a history of harrowing strife and conict, it is a disservice to render such a story in simplistic terms. My work focuses on the improvisational quality of Black being- to continually create pathways of escape away from that which seeks to narrowly dene it. My artwork is a means of uncovering the expansive potential of Blackness. With this objective, I utilize clay, plant bers, and wood, materials readily accessible, malleable, and versatile in combination to create objects relating to the Black body. These objects, whether direct or indirect references, are a means of connecting past with present. The processes that I use are historically based from a gathered craft education and material knowledge. In as many ways as I am
manipulating material/form, I am manipulating myself to create better understanding. I am compiling/collaging in many dimensions with no end, constantly turning with the purpose of showcasing possibility for growth- simply to become like the soil-earthly, transcendental, true.
Personal Statement
In developing my practice I have kept a sense of self suciency/reliance central to my making process. Coming from a working class family I observed how certain tools and one’s ability to use them gives greater autonomy. The challenge of doing so has taken me away from my comforts and built my sense of ecacy, bringing me into self condence. However, I am pressing against limitations with this focus on the self. As greater responsibilities mount, both personal and professional, I am realizing that I can not limit myself. I am applying to The Clay Studio to push beyond myself. Recently nishing the Core Fellowship at the Penland School of Craft, I was exposed to the benets of a collaborative setting. My work revolves around themes of expansion, improvisation, and relationships. Holding these themes tightly, I want to embody them fully. I want to work with the Clay Studio to bring out greater depth and scale of my artwork. To share in the act of creation with the support of the Clay Studio and its community during this pivotal point of my emergence would be an invaluable experience. With the support of all the resources provided during the residency, I will create with an even greater fullness to allow the work to grow.
My work is rooted in a love for potential. Within myself, within my community, within the humble tools we each have at our disposal, I see unlimited potential to shape a brighter future. The Clay Studio, throughout its history, has provided itself as a resource for community upliftment through accessible education . I want to add myself as a resource to continue that aim. I have had the privilege of working under a variety of craftspeople who’s generosity of knowledge has provided me with a diverse toolset. Focusing this knowledge through the medium of ceramics, I provide novel approaches to problem solving with my multimedia capacity. Clay, in its malluability, oers an accommodating intermediary. I see myself as the same. Combining it with other materials brings out various potentials that can enhance one another. This approach keeps me in continuous learning with a desire to share, encourages me to solve problems collectively, and push into challenges with condence. I want to bring all of this and more as I grow during my time with the Clay Studio.
