Jennifer Hayes

Hold Fast

13 x 9 x 9"

Coil Built Stoneware Clay, Underglaze

$1200

3D  First Place November All-Media Exhibition

Hold Fast was inspired by whale's teeth and the art of scrimshaw. I think of this piece as a sea shanty in clay. The illustrations are a narrative that can be followed around the pot and tell the story of the hubris of man in the pursuit of gold and glory.

Artist's Statement:

Narrative weaves an important thread through my art practice. Through both sculpture and functional ceramic objects, I revisit the imagery of childhood fables and fairy tales. I create narratives which explore memory, desire, and the ways stories can be carried through material. Growing up as an avid reader, I would often read by my nightlight, until night turned into morning. When I wasn’t reading, I was writing and illustrating my own stories. I continue to chase this storytelling impulse in my work today. I work across multiple materials, including ceramics, wood, metal, and textiles. Each piece is unique and uses a range of techniques. For functional ceramics, I utilize slab-building, coiling, wheel-throwing, and layered surface treatments. For sculptural works, I combine ceramics with found objects, metal work, and textiles. Combining these techniques and material processes allows me to not only construct objects, but also to reveal the tension and emotions that lie in the in-between places.