Serendipity was one of NCECA’s (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) concurrent exhibitions held inside the Hyatt hotel, attached to the conference.
Serendipity is an adaptation of my exhibition Crush which was a site-specific installation. It has been re-interpreted so that it may be shown in a variety of venues, with a larger body of work.
Crush was a project four years in the making. It was long on the back burner until I had the time and funding to complete it. As Crush was so long in process, it spans an unusually large chunk of my life: from the end of my marriage, to divorce, to single life. Crushes were the constant through that duration as my reckless heart strove for attachment in an attempt to fill the void. Through the letdowns of crushes I’ve discovered myself as whole.
Project Reinterpretation:
Serendipity is a mysterious, contemplative, and serene environment that beckons the viewer to enter the secret garden. The secret garden is dimly lit, with nocturnal animals unabashedly enjoying their lives. It is an unearthly place where the unexpected materializes. The sounds of crickets and water heightens the viewer’s curiosity, beckoning them to explore, thus creating an interactive experience. They are then rewarded as the light octagon reveals a gated opening to an unexpected room filled with water. The central figure, a two-headed creature, peacefully floats on an innertube.
The two-headed creature serves as a self-portrait. This creature epitomizes my long-earned epiphany, revealing that I can be happy and healthy as a single person, not needing the support of another mate in my life. Thus, it felt as if I grew another head in order to be enough for myself.
The shape of the lantern-like octagon, resembles a gazebo. Gazebos symbolize a desire to escape everyday life and are seen as a metaphorical shelter from the storm. The space itself symbolizes my body-as-temple, my inner self. The gate is secured with a lock, which implies that access is possible, although it is limited as I carefully choose who enters my life.
Materials:
Octagon room: 105” x 125” x 125”
Wood, William Morris fabric, pond liner, water, ceramics
Central figure: 67.5” x 24” x 28” Earthenware, oil paint, glaze, rubber coating
External figures: Variable dimensions. Earthenware, oil paint
