RAIR | 2008-09

Alex Kraft

Alex Kraft received her BFA and BS in education from Northern Arizona University, and her MFA from the University of Montana. In addition to RAiR, residencies include the Archie Bray Foundation in Montana, Clay Studio of Missoula in Montana, Pentaculum/Arrowmont in Tennessee, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Maine, Red Lodge Clay Center in Montana, Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark, and the Jingdezhen International Studio in China. Her experience writing and curating includes 50 Women: A Celebration of Women’s Contribution to Ceramics. She is an assistant professor and oversees the ceramics program at the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega.

https://www.alexkraftart.com

Roswell Museum and Art Center

Rair exhibition • Alex Kraft “An Allegory of Enchantment" • August 8 - September 13, 2009

I am interested in using the viscera and bodily systems as a departure point for imagined life forms and their environments.  I see the internal structure of the body as being comprised of two main aspects.  These are the physical internal and the sacred internal.  The first is that which is material: muscles, bones, organs, etc.  These are visualized from macro organ level to micro cellular level.  The second is that which is the intangible essence: emotion, intellect, intuition, instinct, etc.  The sacred internal and the physical internal comprise the same energy.  It is as possible to feel emotion physically as it is to have physical acts cause emotion.  

 In my work, these internal layers are the grounds for the external tangible forms I create. The physicality of form, color, and surface correspond to the energy within.  My recent work has evolved around the above-mentioned frame of reference.

My current body of work employs layered multi-temperature oxidation firings.  I have developed a brightly colored, multi-surfaced glaze palette that unifies the formal qualities of my work with its content.  I use a mid-range porcelain or earthenware and incorporate slip trailing, mishima, image transfer, non-fired techniques and other decorative treatments that further encourage a wide variety of surfaces.  Concepts relating to the internal self also become evident in my two-dimensional and mixed media works.  Craft as art and the DIY movement are referenced through the use and handling of various materials in these works. Recently, I have been exploring functional forms such as cups and bowls.    

I am interested in creating forms that become individuals unto themselves, exuding their own life force while creating a semblance of adornment.  

A personal iconography that extends to archetypal symbol is developed through drawing in relation to form.  Pattern and decoration have seeped into my sculptural forms by way of this  enture.  It is exciting to see a relationship develop between these two seemingly separate endeavors.

Alex Kraft, 2009