Recontextualizing

I've been giving our presentation some thought this past week. Andrea and I chose recontextualization as our Post-Modern theme and Damien Hirst as the artist used to represent it, on the spur of the moment. Now, as I've mentioned before, I'm not to keen on Mr. Hirst. So we asked our mentor teacher for some sculptor/cermacists suggestions. She gave us a great list of names new to both of us. 


Among those names was Marilyn Levine whose work, upon researching, I found our mentor teacher had referenced to her Studio Ceramics class as an example of trompe l'oeil. Amazing work, realistic jackets, boots, bags and belts all made from clay. Even a satirical series of mugs, seemingly made out of sneaker leather, velcro, laces, zippers and all! 


Next was Richard Notkin, who makes some crazy sculptural teapots! 


Beth Cavener Stichter's work was very recognizable. I've seem images of her work before, probably in some other student's presentation in some other class. It's beautiful work, in a sort of subtly grotesque manner. 


Kate MacDowell's work reminded me quite a bit of Stichter's. Purely carved animals on display, exposing themselves to the viewer. Vulnerable and viewed. Also like Sticter's, strangely human. 


Ah Xian makes beautifully decorated busts. These works that clearly influenced one of our mentor teacher's lesson plans. She has the students create a 'Surreal Self Portrait' ceramic busts. We've seen several example's of past students busts and I immediately thought of them when I saw Xian's work.


Last on the list was Jeff Kell, who's work reminded me of my own Basic Ceramics professor's first lesson. In our lesson we had to research a historic vessel and imitate it and then personalize it. The historic referencing of classic ceramics is strong in Kell's work.


So from this list alone, we've got some great artists to choose from for our presentation. And to just keep our eye on!