Erin Paradis
The investigation of the two subjects and their relationship dominates my work. Through the use of wall tiles, the architectural aspect of my work is reinforced. By placing vessels in the same situation as the tiles forces them to sit in a specific space and question where two dimensionality ends and three dimensionality begins. Literal and symbolic representations of the architectural constructions form clusters of pots and images into a landscape setting. Layering goes beyond the surface of a piece and into the entirety of the landscape. The result shows a collection of images, embodying structure, surface and subtleties in space
Considering these ideas, I examine how my vessels can function differently than utilitarian pottery yet, still retain the familiarity that objects of everyday use contain. When using a bowl for our meals or vases for plants, we interact with the container in a certain way that creates a comfortable relationship with the object. By creating and placing pieces such as these within my settings, I am engaging the viewer in a more intimate and personal way. This idea is what draws me to produce functional pottery.
