Steven Meyers: capstone
Date
2013
Authors
Meyers, Steven, artist
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Abstract
The artist's statement: My current ceramic work is derived from a specific process. The process involves using found forms to create one-part press moulds. I choose shapes that stack and reflect sensibly and interestingly. Shorting, measuring, cutting, and shaping allow these hollow units become building blocks for larger forms. Drawing from an extensive shape library provides endless combinations. The building process becomes a similar challenge to writing or poetry. With access only to the forms in my library I am forced to seek out harmonies, rhythms and the rhymes that connect them. To ensure successful compositions I must use care and attention when selecting forms to mould. Noting characteristics like height, diameter, texture, and volume is necessary to create formally sound pieces. With as few as six moulded shapes over 700 combinations are possible. Constantly collecting shapes for my library will allow for millions of possible combinations. Using found forms, I am able to strip the original item of its function and transform it into a formal building element. Through reflection, repetition, and fusion, the viewer is not initially aware of a specific object or source. By leaving evidence of press moulding and leaving exposed joins, the viewer may eventually recognize the presence of a moulded form and modular building process. The viewer's familiarity with certain forms creates ambiguity, making assigning a function to the objects difficult and perplexing. Ideally, this tends toward a captive visual study of the individual objects. I wish to mimic and play off the surface of the source objects and echo that in glaze. Most all of the objects in the library are smooth and glossy. Many of the objects are brightly colored plastic some are metallic. It's from these objects I source bright colorful lazes that add to the playfulness and intuitive creation process of the pieces. The addition of metallic, matte, and exposed clay adds textural variety.
Description
Colorado State University Art Department capstone project.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.