Somewhere Between Chaos and Silence reveals the visceral experience of human emotions caught in the flux of conflict, confusion and duality. Constant struggles of the self are physically manifested in an outward surreal and abstracted melding of the body and a soul overcome. We coexist with the haunting growths of our turmoil worn as skin, that which is meant for protection also records our pain. Through my unconventional incorporation of stoneware, porcelain and light, the sculptures evolve as a work in progress, a glimpse into my explorations with clay, the figure and reflections of the self.
Image: Somethings Not Right
ARTIST STATEMENT
Raw and exposed in earthy darkness– a unique contrast to the suave, supple of glowing white. I use this variation of stoneware and porcelain in my work to express aspects and complexities of human emotions. Its duality, ambiguous and ever-changing, delicate and rough, chaos and peace coexisting within the same moment, I invoke this liminal space for reflection. I use light within my work to illuminate the translucent qualities of porcelain, the relationship between light and dark, the aura of life within a body. I incorporate the human figure within this surreal and abstracted environment as a point of self-reference and relatability. A conflict of the soul externally manifested, physically encompassing the self.
I sculpt with intuition and instinct, purpose and chance, following my natural and spontaneous curiosities of the clay. Sketching in a physical realm, I allow the material to guide me as I develop my thoughts outside of my awareness, balancing my response to the medium and its memories of my touch. Clay is a humble power to hold. It is my connection to Earth, to people, and to myself.
ARTIST BIO
Vanna Ramirez is an artist with a passion for clay. In her work, she often enjoys balancing between sculptural and functional forms while she explores her curiosities for visual and physical textures. She holds a BS in studio art from Skidmore College, and has attended NCECA’s 53rd annual clay conference as a Multicultural Fellow, a short-term residency at the Red Lodge Clay Center and Baltimore Clayworks, and workshops at Penland School of Craft and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Vanna currently continues her journey at Baltimore Clayworks as a Long-Term Resident Artist and a teacher. Outside of the studio she works at the Baltimore Museum of Art Shop as a sales associate and at Greenmount West Power Press as an assistant screen printer. And when life allows, Vanna loves biking into the sun set and watching movies with her pup.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm. Free and Open to the Public. Masking required.
