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Academic Level at Time of Creation
Senior
Date of Creation
Spring 4-29-2026
Artist Statement
My work explores the complex interactions between individuals and the way we interact with family and romantic partners within the household. My sculptures display these interactions while each exemplifying the unique emotions associated with the situation, juxtaposing amorphous, body-like ceramic forms with the nostalgia of antique wallpapers, carpets, and furniture. Each piece reflects my overall theme of this interpersonal interaction by creating different subnarratives in relation to it. One example of my work is “The Ambivalent.”. Its stiff, body-like appearance encases a smaller fabric object laying peacefully inside. This mother and child impression between the figures relates back to my theme of relationships, and each object will contribute their own experience as they are imprinted by each other.
My process is highly experimental as I continue to test new glaze recipes, combinations, and stains on my works in an attempt to capture my intended feeling. Once my work is bisqued, a base stain or glaze is applied and will serve as a primary conveyance of mood. I will then apply a pattern to either the entirety, or a portion of my form. This part of my process is inspired by Mary Cassatt and her pullings from Japanese ukiyo-e prints. I use these prints to flatten my form, pushing these abstract shapes into the realm of home life and nostalgia.
I am also inspired by Daeun Lim and her exploration of interactive objects. My works often have parts that can be separated from one another, their imprint remaining, and I draw from the smoothness of her forms while also merging with it the body’s ridges and lumps. My pieces also incorporate mixed media such as fabric, rope, and plaster forms of which add an element of depth in terms of domestically and things you may see around the home, especially growing up in the south.
While my pieces continue to explore specific emotions, their vagueness remains an open opportunity for the viewer’s interpretation. What I may consider an unsure situation, a viewer may find comfort in, and that is an aspect of abstract art that is so special and interesting to me.
Advisor/Mentor
John Utgaard, Timothy Michael Martin
Description
Exhibition Summary:
The theme of my work in the group exhibition, Diverse Directions, is the relationships and experiences within the household. My ceramic forms display these interactions while each exemplifying the unique emotions associated with the one experiencing the situation. Each piece reflects my ultimate theme of domestic interpersonal interaction by creating different subnarratives in relation to it, while also drawing on visual qualities of the home such as floral patterns and satin rope. One example of a work is Mother. Its stiff, body-suggesting appearance encases a smaller fabric object that lays peacefully inside. This work discusses the often conflicting emotions associated with motherhood and what it means to take on that role . Another piece that accompanied my exhibition is debaser, which is a sphere hanging assertively atop of a smaller, “squashed figure.” This piece discusses abuse in the case that it lacks remorse. Lastly, my work, Chien, is a conversation about conformity and coercion, with a plaster hand pulling a stretched figure.
I intend for the viewer to adjust the scene to fit their own experiences while also sympathizing with the entities my objects suggest.
Exhibited Works:
Debaser, glazed stoneware, 5”x6”x4”, 2026.
Chien, glazed stoneware, satin rope, plaster, 25”x19”x15”, 2026.
The Ambivalent, glazed stoneware, coarse grog, fabric, 26”x15”x11”, 2026.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License
Recommended Citation
Smith, Sadie, "Diverse Directions" (2026). B.A./B.S. Practicum Group Exhibit (ART 499). 89.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art499/89