I make pottery that brings elegance, sophistication, and merriment to the everyday. I have a diverse range of influences, and seek to marry the splendor of past eras with a modern desire for beauty and utility.
My influences for these Victorian modern porcelain vessels range from 18th century silver service pieces to couture clothing and from Art Nouveau illustrations to cake fondant. Such diversity combined with my own personality as a maker culminates into a unique style.
Graceful forms, refined patterns, and lively colors convey a design that is robust as well as elegant and joyful.
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I am intrigued by the relationship between function and ornamentation: observing how decoration informs use, questioning the balance between utility and beauty, and appreciating that—in past eras—the two could indeed happily coexist in one object.
As I throw, alter and build with clay, I am drawing in three-dimensions, deciding what kind of line, edge and shadow will best accentuate the pot’s silhouette. I use repetitive pattern and accents to compliment and define form. These external embellishments are smaller, detailed lines and shapes giving strength to the bold lines defining the pot’s shape. My choice of mostly monochrome color (a cue from the metal objects I love) allows the pattern to coexist with but not dominate the form.
Within the parameters of the ceramic vessel, I am interested in investigating line, form and detail, coaxing a soft material that becomes hard to look soft again.
(kiefferceramics.com/bio/artist-statement)
My influences for these Victorian modern porcelain vessels range from 18th century silver service pieces to couture clothing and from Art Nouveau illustrations to cake fondant. Such diversity combined with my own personality as a maker culminates into a unique style.
Graceful forms, refined patterns, and lively colors convey a design that is robust as well as elegant and joyful.
(More…)
I am intrigued by the relationship between function and ornamentation: observing how decoration informs use, questioning the balance between utility and beauty, and appreciating that—in past eras—the two could indeed happily coexist in one object.
As I throw, alter and build with clay, I am drawing in three-dimensions, deciding what kind of line, edge and shadow will best accentuate the pot’s silhouette. I use repetitive pattern and accents to compliment and define form. These external embellishments are smaller, detailed lines and shapes giving strength to the bold lines defining the pot’s shape. My choice of mostly monochrome color (a cue from the metal objects I love) allows the pattern to coexist with but not dominate the form.
Within the parameters of the ceramic vessel, I am interested in investigating line, form and detail, coaxing a soft material that becomes hard to look soft again.
(kiefferceramics.com/bio/artist-statement)