Pottery

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Erin Doherty: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Doherty, Erin, artist
The artist's statement: I grew up on a small island town in Alaska surrounded by the ocean. My experiences and memories of it inspire me everyday. The ocean is an unpredictable force, and its constant transitions between turbulent and flat-calm waters dictate daily life of the people and landscape around it. Just as the ocean has had a lasting impact on me, family is also an essential component to my life and a source of inspiration. I connect these two separate, but fundamental elements by blending Celtic knots - representing family, with imagery found in the ocean. By blending these seemingly disparate themes together, I bridge a gap between origin and tradition. My coil built sculptures take advantage of the versatility of clay to achieve large volumes, while my carved slabs depict motifs that incorporate layered surface designs. The time consuming and repetitive action in the studio brings me a sense of peace and self-awareness, while challenging me to stay attentive and precise. My ceramic work blends art and nature to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity for the ocean in people's minds. The combination of literal and abstract illustrations trigger moments of nostalgia that reference past experiences and memories. My intimate, handmade artwork is designed to bring beauty and serenity to everyday life.