ARTIST STATEMENT
The DNA Discourse is inspired by the artistic practice of ceramic artist Roberto Lugo. Compelled to educate rather than fight, Lugo creates teapots that symbolize people with opposing viewpoints, in the hopes of sparking tea and conversation in a civilized manner. In doing so, each individual would learn something new about where the other person was coming from. This teapot is meant to spark a productive discussion about abortion rights from both sides of the table.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Amy G. Bernard is an interdisciplinary artist, living and working in the western suburbs of Chicago. Amy’s practice began with a concentration in ceramics and sculpture when she obtained a BFA in Ceramics from Oswego State University, and an MFA in Visual Art from Vermont College of Fine Arts. The artist is inspired by the history of materials and the nature of craft, drawing from the world of past art and artifacts as a never ending source of inspiration. Research of ancient through contemporary visual culture influences a new and fresh perspective which enriches her practice. Feminist art theory and philosophy construct a web of inter-connectivity between the art of prehistory to the art of today, all while empowering the missing feminine. Concepts of crisis, care, and hope of resolution are echoed in Amy’s work.
Recent accolades within the last two years include participation in multiple shows including: Curiosity, a National Exhibition at the Old Courthouse Arts Center in Woodstock, IL, her MFA Graduation Exhibition at Vermont College of Fine Arts Montpelier, Vermont, the Suffra-Jetting Juried Exhibition at Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, IL, Observing Motherhood Exhibition at ARC Gallery in Chicago, IL, the WOMEN (Cis & Non-Cis) Artist Exhibition at Art JuXtapose Gallery in Rosendale, NY, two Small Works Members Shows at Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, IL, the NCECA Social Recession at the Weston Art Gallery: Aronoff Center for the Arts in Cincinnati, OH, the Terrain Biennial 2021, the Femina International Online Group Exhibition and publication in The Book of Arts: Femina in Spring 2022, and the IHSAE Educators Exhibition in May 2022, for which her piece Precious Resources was awarded the SCAD Art Educators Award at the annual Illinois High School Art Educators Exhibition at Bridgeport Arts Center in Chicago, IL.
© Amy G. Bernard