Jasmine Oakley

Meditation Among the Brambles

Pit Fired Cub Creek Wild Clay 

8 x 5 x 4"

$500

A masked person meditating amidst blackberry brambles. Like barbed wire, these brambles discourages escape, yet offers nourishment in scarcity. The piece displays peace and mental solace found in oppression. New vines of traditions spread, spiritual and mental abundance for new discoveries ripen. 

Artist Statement:

As an African Diasporan and Eco-centric interdisciplinary artist, my creative journey encompasses ceramics, painting, drawing, and writing, serving as channels to explore my passion for knowledge. Focused on healing the mind, body, and soul, my work delves into a deep connection with the natural world, capturing the metamorphosis of my spirit and liberation from the absolute. Through understanding the external world and my inner self, I function as a mirror reflecting the beauty of the Earth until it becomes impossible to ignore or exploit. Rather, I aim to evoke acknowledgment and reverence for the richness of our surroundings. Guided by the rhythm and desire of my hands, I harness the alchemy of the four elements to unveil the expressions to be appreciated within the natural world. In ceramics, I utilize wild clay and ash glazes to depict the Earth's geological features, grounded in an ethnobotanical approach inspired by local flora and fauna. This process serves as a connection to my ancestors and the African Diaspora, providing a sense of wholeness and lineage. Ultimately, my work creates a space for immense healing and harmony, fostering a connection between self, earth, and the collective human experience.