Emily Fedorchak
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Artist Statement
Within current work, elements of ceramics and printmaking are juxtaposed in order to convey the complexity of interpersonal connections. While the functionality of ceramics is viewed as a necessity to my practice, the illustrative range of print and mixed media provides possibilities that push for fluctuation of the form. Sketched memories of loved ones eating comfort foods are then construed into decisions regarding the ceramic body. Food being a communal aspect to one’s social life, the content of these drawings are not directly translated to the form. Instead, the outline of a shoulder, condiment cups, or hat rim is the potential influence of a more geometric shape. These influences are then translatented via rim alterations, handle lines, and glaze application techniques. Knowing the source of the original outline, it is not as important for the viewer to connect the dots as it is to help me generate more designs.
Material decisions are made based upon what each media will add to the concept. Raw, fired clay is often the foundational hue which in contrast to other, more colorful media, symbolizes an individual. Also, many of the glazes consist of a single material such as sodium bicarbonate which flashes the surface and is also just a fancy name for baking soda. Due to the reaction the clay has with the surface of the fired glaze, this represents one’s individual influence on another. I am often drawn to glazes which flash the surface. Transformation occurs when another enters one’s way of life, and advice, whether warranted or not, is transpired. Because coping mechanisms range in levels of unity and solitude, these dueling concepts continue to fuel future works.
Click to view Neutral colored, ceramic pitcher with bird-like spout, wavy rim, and large curvy handle. This form was generated from line drawings of my sister (Paige) and has an abstracted painterly quality to the glaze application. Full-Screen
Paige’s Ketchup Cup // Single fire, cone 6 oxidation, thrown/handbuilt pitcher // 13 x 8 x5 inches
Click to view Two ceramic mugs with striking orange flashing and contrasting glossy grey glaze made from baking soda. The handles are made from a darker clay than the porcelain cup and are inspired by line drawings of my long-time friend (Eleda). Full-Screen
Eleda’s Shoulder // Cone 10 reduction, thrown (handbuilt handles), set of mugs with brushed baking soda mixture // 5 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches (each)
Click to view Single Fire Cone Serving Bowl Full-Screen
Erin’s Vinaigrette // Single fire, cone 6 oxidation, thrown serving bowl, with handbuilt tongs // 6 x 11 x 11 inches
Click to view Details Serving Bowl Full-Screen
Erin’s Vinaigrette // Close up image // 6 x 11 x 11 inches
Click to view Neutral colored ceramic plate with a black slip trailed blueprint outline of my childhood kitchen. While primarily utilizing baking soda a glaze, flashing occurs and some of the black runs thus causing some contrast and variety in the line quality. A similar outline of the blueprint is also sgraffitoed onto the surface. Full-Screen
Parent’s Kitchen // Cone 10 reduction, thrown platter with slip trail and brushed baking soda mixture // 1.5 x 13 x 13 inches
Click to view Four different neutral colored clay bodies are unified to create a vessel complete with three lub handles and slip for additional surface design. Full-Screen
Integration By Parts // Cone 6 oxidation, thrown vessel with colored slips // 6.5 x 7 x 7 inches
Click to view Ceramic bowl with an altered rim and finished with a baking soda glaze. This glaze flashed the surface making it orange. Black slip is used to contrast the light nature of the porcelain clay body. Full-Screen
Pho-Soda // Cone 10 reduction, thrown bowl with altered rim and brushed baking soda mixture // 6 x 10 x 10 inches
Click to view Dark ceramic watering can with loopy handle and complimentary carvings surrounding the base of the from. These carvings are brought out by a lighter hued shino glaze. Full-Screen
To Be Watered Flowers // Cone 10 salt, thrown/hand built watering can // 16 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches
Click to view Neutral colored ceramic serving bowl with an altered rim and foot inspired by a drawing of my brother (Steven) with a snow cone. There is a brush-like and freeing quality to the glaze marks that help the piece flow. Full-Screen
Steven’s Snow Cone // Cone 6 oxidation, thrown bowl with altered rim and foot // 4.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches
Click to view Ceramic pitcher with bird-like spout made with a combination of dark stoneware and porcelain and finished with a baking soda glaze that flashes the surface orange. Black and orange underglaze were also added to emphasize the form. Full-Screen
Birds & Curds // Close up image // 7.5 x 4.5 x 6.5 inches