Flight and Float 4, Ceramic, Cone 10, Underglazes, 48 x 22 x 20 in., 2012

Flight and Float is a series of ceramic assemblages that explore flowing through air and water, the two environments in which living organisms move. But which pieces represent movement through air and which through water?

I am uncontrollably drawn to using large, sweeping gestures, spontaneity and forethought to shape texture and color my work. I like not only the feeling of breath and movement of an organic living form it gives to the work, but the sense of unlimited freedom and excitement to it gives to me, the artist to explore and develop new ideas. Interested in our globe and the role humans play in its condition, I try to invoke an intuitive response from the viewer; I hope the viewer brings their experiences and emotions to their reactions before turning to a refined, analytical assessment. A controlled palette accentuates the stability of our environment; the ripping and tearing, its vulnerability. Definitional to our universe, time marches on, and in my work, movement through the environment is achieved.

One-step firing process to Cone 10 in an oxidation environment is used. The underglazes are pressed into very wet clay almost as a printing process. Some underglazes are painted on top to add depth and design.

Photo series credit | Scott McCue