The art of fashion: exploring the boundaries between ceramic materials and human dress and adornment

Abstract

I am most interested in drawing closer connections between the distinct fields of fashion and ceramics. Influenced greatly by clothing and the flexibility of textile materials, my ceramic work is often inspired by the softness of fabrics and feminine figural forms. Using processes of research and design, I strive to create intelligently functional ceramic works. Fabric and clay are equally intriguing to me; while the two have vastly different properties, they are united under their quality of usefulness.Both clay and fabric can be manipulated to create new, functional forms, designed with pure purpose and attention to aesthetics. The 3–dimensional clay forms I make generally include vessels such as vases, bowls, cups, and jars, which are meant to be used daily. I also look for opportunities to create objects that are not found in the kitchen, but are equally useful in daily life. The Art of Fashion is meant to be a self-portrait that explores the way in which garments are enhanced by the addition of handmade ceramic buttons and jewelry. The elegance of my work in these varying materials derives from the simplicity of the forms in conjunction with a smooth, pastel palette of glazes. My finished products display elements of reverie and timelessness.