BFA Thesis Exhibit
Hannah Ballinger-Grajeda
Artist Statement
Emerging from shadow, a bulbous life-form tastes this new atmosphere. Hands encompassing; busy seeking, sensing, and uncovering. Throughout time new layers emerge from what came before transforming into a beacon.
As each part coalesces the energy shifts. A unity materializes that dances with the individuality of the parts. As these objects grow and transform, mystery is exposed and enclosed simultaneously creating an endless adventure. Each finished piece marks a history of this cycle of mystery. An opening and closing to this portal.
As I build with this material my objects establish a sense of self that I begin to form a relationship with. I am open and curious towards the wonder they express. I listen carefully and respond with consideration and intention. My pieces ask me to be very aware of my body in space. As I challenge the material challenges my ability to find attunement and clarity in my senses. This dialog with the material and the forms that emerge causes a flux in the equilibrium. A transitional recording of interaction that then becomes solidified as an expression of time within relationship.
As each part coalesces the energy shifts. A unity materializes that dances with the individuality of the parts. As these objects grow and transform, mystery is exposed and enclosed simultaneously creating an endless adventure. Each finished piece marks a history of this cycle of mystery. An opening and closing to this portal.
As I build with this material my objects establish a sense of self that I begin to form a relationship with. I am open and curious towards the wonder they express. I listen carefully and respond with consideration and intention. My pieces ask me to be very aware of my body in space. As I challenge the material challenges my ability to find attunement and clarity in my senses. This dialog with the material and the forms that emerge causes a flux in the equilibrium. A transitional recording of interaction that then becomes solidified as an expression of time within relationship.
Click to view Interwoven bulbous forms emerging upward into floral blooms ending in an arching lattice containing an orb of orange and pink light. Full-Screen
In Full Bloom // 38” x 17” x 17” // Stoneware, underglaze, glass, light bulb
Click to view Fluid blue bodies twisting and arching break open at 5 points. Orange and yellow fungal-like lattice structures emerge from the openings. Full-Screen
Emergence // 38” x 57” x 30” // Stoneware, underglaze, engobe, glass
Click to view A bright and warm-colored thrown and altered cup covered in symmetrical floral decoration. Full-Screen
Small Floral Mug // 4.5” x 4” x 4” // Porcelain, glaze and underglaze
Click to view A carved celadon tea set including a teapot centered between two large cups and two small cups. Full-Screen
Celadon Tea set // 7” x 18” x 12” // Porcelain, celadon glaze
Click to view A small four legged dish atop a celadon pool in a porcelain trivet. Full-Screen
Ice Skater // 3” x 5” x 5” // Porcelain, celadon, underglaze
Click to view A funny sculpture of a cat whose eyes are stunned to see you. Full-Screen
Gracie // 13” x 16” x 25” // Iron Stoneware, Underglaze, Oxides
Click to view Three hand-built chalices made of individual parts with fluid designs. Full-Screen
Three Chalices // 6.5”x13”x7” // Colored porcelain, underglaze, celadon glaze
Click to view A matte black lidded round container with 3 long black bulbous legs and an undulating lid with fluid designs circulating the surface. Full-Screen
Container of Secrets // 7.5” x 5.5” x 5.5” // Black porcelain, underglaze
Click to view A smoky lattice of pinched handle-shaped structures connected in a loose geometrical pattern atop a shallow dish atop three drop-shaped legs. Full-Screen
Ceramic Basket // 9” x 9” x 9” // Colored porcelain
Click to view A lacquered, dark wood tea table with carved lattice skirt boards, and Queen Anne’s legs. Full-Screen
Tea Table // 14” x 20” x 12” // Walnut hardwood, lacquer, wood glue, screws