August 12, 2009
Mai Maruo, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University: CM 2009 Undergraduate Showcase
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Jewelry box, 4.5 in. (11 cm) in height, soda-fired porcelain.
Bowl, 11 in. (28 cm) in diameter, soda-fired porcelain. |
Over time, traditions adjust to people and their lifestyles. The rate of this change may vary within different cultures. In contrast, nature tends to change slowly and universally. Both of these types of change are meaningful to me for different reasons. Exploring Japanese traditional culture allows me to preserve a sense of my identity. I appropriate motifs and patterns not only from kimonos, but also from different cultures. Nature, on the other hand, is a place for me to be neutral. Regardless of what culture I belong to, I can have a mind free of thoughts when I am connected to nature. I am as fascinated by patterns and shapes in nature, as I am by kimono motifs. I have recently become intrigued by soda and salt firing. To me, these are similar to performing in front of an audience, because the outcome of each firing varies according to the conditions both inside and outside the kiln. Instructors: Wayne Higby, Professor; Anne Currier, Professor; Andrea Gill, Associate Professor; Chris Miller, Instructor.
This was excerpted from Ceramics Monthly magazine’s “2009 Undergraduate Showcase” feature, which appeared in the September 2009 issue. To get great content like this delivered right to your door, subscribe today! |
