Description of Work

Divulge in Hollow Furnishings - 2021 - Ceramic - NFS

Lineage Periderm - 2021 - Ceramic - NFS

Ecological Systems - 2021 - Ceramic - NFS

Artist's Statement

These pieces are inspired by my family, through memories, the significant people in my life, and the psychical genes and characteristics I have inherited. My pieces are inspired by The Wagner Sawmill, which was started by my late Great Grandfather and has been operating for 80 years. This has been passed down to generations of Wagner’s and has been a large foundation of the identity of being a Wagner. I aspired to sculpt the symbolizations of generations, and the legacy of both my family and the Wagner Sawmill, in action before it begins to fade. My pieces represent a reflection of my families’ values as an influence of the values that I have deemed significant and will continue to set forth in my own life. Within the religious beliefs, I reflect on the repetition of symbolization used within the Bible, in relation to my own life.

I communicate these stories and experiences through the forms, textures and patterns found in trees, as is it something we rely on heavily. Within the imagery of trees, I focus on the details found in the bark, tree rings, and the tiny characteristics and uniqueness found in individual trees. The inspiration behind each tree form is taken from the trees I have interacted with throughout my life. The trees that were climbed on playing pretend as a child, the grand trees in our grandmother’s yard, and the distinct, quirky trees only seen deep into the woods. Within each sculpture are little subtle objects that visually communicate the hidden truth and connections to the experiences, memories, or stories I am conveying, while subtly referencing the comparison of human lives to trees.  

As a reserved person I come with many hidden traits that don’t get seen by everyone. Within my work I reflect that through the incorporation of small subtle details often concealed from and missed if only grazed upon. The conflicting perspectives of my past and present environments can be seen clashing with my own personality traits.

I share these stories and express my feelings both through the process of creating artwork and the finished works themselves. The ceramic processes of hand-building allow me to focus and find peace with my emotions and thoughts. Clay brings feelings of connecting as it requires a physical bond with your whole body to stabilize and build up the form up. This happens while leaving a visual record of handprints and finger indentions. As I make work that expresses my thoughts, feelings, and memories, I visually represent and reflect myself and my style, creating an honest interpretation of me and my introverted identity in relation to my family's past and the generations of Wagner’s.

If you wish to purchase any of these pieces, please contact the gallery director, Jacqueline Nathan (jnathan@bgsu.edu.)