My newest collection Object Permanence is an expansion of my ongoing Drippy Ceramics series: these paintings are inspired by traditional handmade and hand-painted ceramics, as a celebration of handmade objects, embracing the beautiful imperfection of items made by human hands.
"Blue and Gold Lidded Jar with Pheasant" and "Blue and Gold Flour Sack"
I started to examine modern utilitarian products and how many of their design elements have not changed much over the past 30 or even 50+ years, making them so ubiquitous to modern culture that we often don't even notice them. By comparison, these antique ceramics – often originating in China – were originally handmade by makers and artisans in huge batches to also be utilitarian objects for exporting, but are now seen as precious works of art.
"Cobalt Blue Scenic Platter" and "Cobalt Blue Canned Ham Tin"
Created in pairs, I have chosen to paint and display each modern pantry-staple commodity in conjunction with an antique ceramic piece of similar shape and color palette to help further the visual comparisons.
None of these modern objects are meant to be permanent – in fact, most of their packaging is meant to be recycled or to break down over time – but our awareness of the item itself, the logo, and the brand stands in our minds.
"Red and Gold Floral Bowl" and "Red and Yellow Raisin Box"
How are we examining and appreciating these contemporary objects alongside antique handmade ceramic vases, jars, and plates? Does the timelessness of a modern design change how we view it? Does the fact that these antique ceramics were made for utilitarian purposes alter your perspective of their modern use as purely decorative objects?