|
 Clay Art Center is proud to present FRESH CUT, a solo exhibition of ceramic sculptures that explore the adornment of artificial floral forms by Pittsburgh Pennsylvania artist Jordann Siri Wood. The exhibit, held in the Choy Gallery,will run from October 2 - 23, 2010 with an reception on Saturday, October 2 from 6-8pm. Additionally, upstairs in the Henry’s Project space, we will be exhibiting 70 & Counting, pottery and sculpture by CAC artists and students who are 70 and better. Admission is free.
About her work, Jordann states, “Growing up in Arizona, all I knew about flowers came from TV gardening shows that took place in what seemed like ridiculously lush locations. It seemed easier to grow a garden on the moon than in the Arizona desert. Because of this perceived deprivation of flora and fauna, I sought after what I couldn't have: the lilacs, tulips, and roses that I knew existed outside of the patterns on my mother's nightgowns.
“My current body of work is an investigation of human adornment through the floral motif. People have always derived great pleasure from adorning themselves with decorative artifacts. The desire for self-embellishment stretches back to our most ancient cultures when people first began transforming the natural objects around them into decorative pieces to wear.
“Upon inspection, the bloom can be broken down into petals, leaves, and stems. The pieces are shaped in ways that allow them to be a part of the larger form. The shape and placement of the individual parts of the flower have offered endless possibilities for formal exploration. I have considered the cut flower in its many arrangements with its brief moment of beauty. This ephemeral life has led me to study the human stylization of this subject and permanent quality it possesses. My ceramic sculptures are a response to artificial floral decoration. From parade floats, to costume jewelry, to the piping on a wedding cake, I'm interested in excess, abundance, and how flamboyance can be both an alluring and kitchy thing.
“Studying the floral form over the years made me realize that the succulent desert flowers of the southwest were an inspiration on my work. Many of my forms took on the rigid and plump characteristics of cacti and its flowers. There's a comforting feeling of volume to the pieces; despite the medium, they appear soft, like they've been stuffed and preserved. I have used shimmering frosting like colors that excite the inner child. These pieces communicate the message that every sparkling thing is precious and desirable.”
 Jordann Siri Wood was born in Tempe, Arizona in 1980. Wood attended Brigham Young University in Provo Utah, receiving a Bachelor of Fine art in ceramics in 2004 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2006. Her interest in clay began early in her undergraduate years and has focused primarily on the floral form in both her sculptural and functional work. Her current body of work is an investigation of human adornment through the floral motifs. Her work has been exhibited nationally and featured in Clay Times magazine.Wood has worked as occasional adjunct faculty at Brigham Young University and is currently a volunteer at the Manchester Craftsman's Guild where she assists with junior and senior high ceramics classes.
|
