emerging artist: Jessica Hodgson

by | Jul 26, 2014 | call for entry, emerging artist, job posting, monday morning eye candy, movie day, residency opportunity, show us your influences, technical tuesday

JESSICA
HODGSON
ARTIST
STATEMENT
WWW.JESSICAHODGSONCERAMICS.COM
Growing up on a conventional family
farm in Southwestern Manitoba, I was raised with a fundamental respect and
understanding of the environment and our food.  After moving to Winnipeg
in 2006, I was surprised by how quickly I lost this sense of respect.  No
longer getting my food straight from the garden or neighboring farms, I lost
touch with the understanding I once took for granted, as
it became easier and more acceptable to drive to the supermarket and fill a cart
with convenience.
At a point where the public is
becoming more aware and more alarmed by what is being labeled as food, I often
find myself disturbed and confused by the information we are surrounded
by.  Coming from a farming
background surrounded by companies like Monsanto, paired with a concern for how
safe many of the foods we are eating actually are, I find myself on a slippery
seesaw of what is right and what is safe.
Frustrated by the topic, I designed
the Stratum line in reference to the
mysterious layer of chemicals, control and deception that seems to be veiling
our food system today.  Typically the white surface of sterility that
covers functional dinnerware is comforting and customary, providing us with a
smooth, safe surface to present our food. 
In Stratum however, this white
surface is only superficial, draping over dark, organic sections, masking them
in uniformity and perceived appeal.
 

emerging artist: Amanda Barr

by | Jul 6, 2014 | call for entry, emerging artist, job posting, monday morning eye candy, movie day, residency opportunity, show us your influences, technical tuesday

My ceramic work is an exploration of
color, graphic imagery and text on porcelain. I enjoy the intimacy of
using functional objects as narrative vehicles for my inner
monologue. These objects then become part of the user’s narrative,
becoming part of their daily life through the ritual of use and by
decorating their living spaces. Each piece is a reflection of myself,
and in choosing to accept it into their life, it also reflects the
user.

I am often inspired by my background in
literature, thematically as well as being a source for much of my
text and my love of vintage illustrations. Through books one can
travel through time, to faraway lands… anywhere the imagination can
create. My work is an extension of my love of reading; it is about
expression and escapism, imagination and history. I want to make work
that will capture the imagination and create a dialogue with the
viewer, force them to think and dream and make their own journeys.