ARTIST STATEMENT
Ceramics are not often thought of in terms of movement or flow, but a chain is always in motion. The combination of these concepts pushes the boundaries of the medium and creates a uniquely playful result—one that elicits surprise and curiosity from the viewer. As people walk by the chain, it slightly sways from the movements in the air, adding another fun element to the experience.
The process itself is fairly repetitive: each link starts out as a coil and is cut and formed into shape and attached to the next link. This is a slow process that requires patience and well-thought- out timing. The artist is almost driven mad by the experience, but once each link is assembled into a long chain, the end result makes up for it. A delicate hand is needed to load the fragile chain into the kiln to be fired up to 2200° Fahrenheit. Once fired, the chain is durable and able to support its own weight.
The chain is hung on a wall in a draped fashion that further conveys the feeling of movement. The ends of the chain are attached to sculptural objects—in this case, a mask and a sun. This piece is titled Limbo due to being stuck between two states of being.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I started working with ceramics in high school and carried on the craft throughout my 20’s as a space to get away from my day job. I have taken several classes at different studios all over Chicagoland and am currently a resident artist at a ceramics studio located in West Town. Along with teaching classes occasionally at the studio, I also make functional ware such as mugs and jewelry. I started out making small wearable chains and quickly upped the production to a larger scale. I recently exhibited and sold my first large ceramic chain at a gallery in West Town as part of a group show for my ceramics studio.
© Brianna Freitag