My ceramic sculpture addresses different associations with both function and clay as a material. Many recognize ceramics as an art medium, but fail to consider its applications in industry. The forms I sculpt reference new tools and technology such as 3D printers, rapid prototyping equipment, and manufacturing equipment. Through a juxtaposition of surface treatments, I am able to recontextualize each machine to illustrate the versatility of clay. I achieve this by incorporating ceramic decals and surface patterns creating highly decorative finishes and combining them with distressed metallic surfaces.
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The notion of function is explored by incorporating microcontrollers and various electrical components such as motors, toggle switches, LCD screens, and lights are implemented within each piece. The resulting mechanical movement makes each piece function differently than a typical ceramic vessel. Many are influenced by personal experiences and frustrations I have encountered with technology. These utilize text screens to present the viewer with a problem instructing them to either wait or restart the device. Some explore narrative imagery utilizing figurines and motors to create repetitive, futile tasks. Others further explore the notion of function by incorporating pots with mechanical components essential to their use. As a result, the viewer becomes the operator of each sculpture by making a static object come alive in the gallery.