Abstract
The human body is a container. It holds precious elements that give life, but it also encloses inner thoughts and emotions that are created by the individual. Skin is the ultimate protector of the body. It shields the inside from harmful diseases and protects from the abrasive elements that are looking to cause harm. Skin is window, allowing those that live beyond to simply gaze inside and experience the information that is meant to be private. In moments of embarrassment, anger, and happiness, the skin displays this information for all to see, often betraying the permission of the individual wearing it. I create ceramic sculpture that portrays the moment when emotion is being translated using one’s skin. I explore a variety of involuntary actions such as goosebumps, blushing, folding and abrasions to draw attention to these overwhelming moments that appear on the surface of the works. There is a contrast that is created between fixed material that makes up the internal structure and the soft transparent outer skin of silicone. The materials act as a form of protection and allow me to suture wounds that are created through out the life of the work. Much like a scar upon the surface of the body, these moments of harm will remain.