Artist's Statement
2 AM and I'm still
awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to...
Just Breathe- Anna Nalick
Everything I make grows from a part of who I am. Much of my work comes from the experiences I’ve had with animals and the ground, the creatures and dirt and plants that may be taken for granted. Also, a desire to be connected to the older cultures of our planet, a search for the primal in all of us, is part of everything I do. In everything I do I'm looking for the special thing about it, the jolt of recognition of something bigger. It’s not so much the physical appearance of what happened, but the fierce and tender energy that rushes around in my belly from the experience. It comes from the feelings of love or instinct or joy, or anger or fear, that come pouring from some of the things that have happened to me or that I’ve done or seen.
I make tile wall pieces, abstract heads and figures, and the occasional vessel or wall mask. In each piece I hope to create a sense of peace and energy, a thoughtful nature, even a feeling of sanctuary. These are ideas that fascinate me, and I enjoy working toward them in everything I do.
Each piece is one of a kind and part of a series. They are made out of stoneware clay fired to Cone 10, which is approximately 2300º Fahrenheit. Many of the glazes I use are from experiments I have developed, with a variety of tried-and-true stoneware glazes gleaned from many other artists.
Clay is a very sensual and satisfying material to work with. I work to have my pieces share the grace and sturdiness that are inherent in the experience of working with clay.
Clay has such a connection with history, in almost every ancient culture, that it is sometimes overwhelming to work with such a permanent art form. I work very hard to make sure I am completely at peace with each of my pieces so that I am happy with their permanence. I don't glaze fire anything that I feel would not be a true addition to what future generations may dig up from our culture.
My sister used to draw very complex pictures, usually with a subtle and rascally story behind them. Her work always seemed to me to have a life of its own, and I have strived for that in my work as well. I hope for each piece to portray what is inside me and to look as if it grew where it is, a part of its environment, and connected to everything around it.
Mossy Head 2004