Brock's Artist Statement
My current body of work consists of vessels as well as hand-built wall pieces providing layers of information and complex surfaces. I enjoy process. The surfaces contain various two-dimensional techniques including screen printing and paper resists. My interest in graffiti and tattoo imagery as well as the technical aspects of clay and glaze is reflected in the diverse usage of these techniques. The vessels are loosely thrown to achieve fresh, expressive forms. I view the surfaces of the forms as drawings, each one different but each incorporating similar elements. Sometimes the elements are individually framed resembling patchwork while other pieces combine the elements creating a composition around the entire form. Influences expand from the historical pinups of "nose art" graffiti on WWII airplanes and Ancient Greek pottery to Pop Art color schemes and contemporary flash tattoos and street art. Similar to a graffiti writer, brushstrokes can be deliberate and precise while splashes of color become rapid, sharp movements resembling the visual strength and purity of a dripping graffiti tag on a wall. Many of the surfaces have contrasting textures leaving a piece looking dry and aged to luscious and wet. Each piece is fired multiple times and may be further adorned by sprig molds, vintage floral decals, and gold leaf. I strive to create works that vary in function and purpose from the daily usage of a cup to an ornamental vase. Each telling a story with its individual composition, I intend to communicate a sense of wonder, discovery and balance through form and surface.
Lisa's Artist Statement
I believe that food, as such an important part of our lives, deserves proper appreciation and presentation. In my kitchen, I have dishes and serving wares made by the hands of many different artists. I love to cook, and eat, and to think about each pair of hands that made each piece my food rests in. I love to know that passion and hard work went into every cup I drink out of and every plate I use. This is why I consciously dream of each home and counter top on which my pieces will serve great purpose. I imagine conversations that will be had over a cup of wine and a dish of hummus.
The surface treatment on my work is highly influenced by textile pattern right down to the hem on an article of clothing. I am fascinated by patterns and colors in textiles and decor over the decades. I really enjoy how mismatched patterns can be placed together to create an incalculable yet pleasurable visual. Fabric and clothing are other forms of art that we use and take pleasure in every day. My wares are little bits of something that will go with anything, or nothing... as they should. "Matching" has never been a concept that has ever had much meaning to me. I hope to encourage the acceptance of endless possibilities in each form I make.
As a younger artist, I didn't always know why I wanted to make beautiful things, but that I felt a necessary desire to create. Each piece I make is for the user. I strongly believe every drink and meal tastes better out of a vessel that has love and passion put into it.
The surface treatment on my work is highly influenced by textile pattern right down to the hem on an article of clothing. I am fascinated by patterns and colors in textiles and decor over the decades. I really enjoy how mismatched patterns can be placed together to create an incalculable yet pleasurable visual. Fabric and clothing are other forms of art that we use and take pleasure in every day. My wares are little bits of something that will go with anything, or nothing... as they should. "Matching" has never been a concept that has ever had much meaning to me. I hope to encourage the acceptance of endless possibilities in each form I make.
As a younger artist, I didn't always know why I wanted to make beautiful things, but that I felt a necessary desire to create. Each piece I make is for the user. I strongly believe every drink and meal tastes better out of a vessel that has love and passion put into it.