This week I look at work from three women who have inspired me with their creativity for many years.
Cindy Sherman isn't typically known as a ceramic artist. She is a photographer who creates images filled with emotive tension. Predominantly using herself in make-up and costume, she recreates moments for characters in the world surrounding them.
In 1990, she used images of herself as Madame de Pompadour, one of the chief mistresses of Louis XV of France, on limited porcelain dinner sets, tea services, and tureen sets. Sherman had her image transferred using a process requiring up to 16 photo silkscreens and four glaze firings. Some of the pieces are still available today.
Cindy Sherman's images always intrigue me - I decoupaged a few of them onto a bookshelf before I even discovered who she was. At this juncture in time, I am studying the history of prostitution. Though a large portion of filles de joie go unremembered or downplayed in their influence in history, some are well studied and documented. Madame de Pompador was quite an influential, and apparently fun loving, courtesan. One notable contribution she made was in development of the manufactory of Sèvres, a famous European porcelain manufacturer. Sherman did her research thoroughly and executed these sets phenomenally. The central imagery of the notable mistress is placed perfectly into the context of this delicate Rococo inspired serving set. Its beautiful and playful all at once.
In 1990, she used images of herself as Madame de Pompadour, one of the chief mistresses of Louis XV of France, on limited porcelain dinner sets, tea services, and tureen sets. Sherman had her image transferred using a process requiring up to 16 photo silkscreens and four glaze firings. Some of the pieces are still available today.
Cindy Sherman's images always intrigue me - I decoupaged a few of them onto a bookshelf before I even discovered who she was. At this juncture in time, I am studying the history of prostitution. Though a large portion of filles de joie go unremembered or downplayed in their influence in history, some are well studied and documented. Madame de Pompador was quite an influential, and apparently fun loving, courtesan. One notable contribution she made was in development of the manufactory of Sèvres, a famous European porcelain manufacturer. Sherman did her research thoroughly and executed these sets phenomenally. The central imagery of the notable mistress is placed perfectly into the context of this delicate Rococo inspired serving set. Its beautiful and playful all at once.
Kristen Ferrell is a Kansas grown gal, now transplanted in Southern California. She is a painter, print maker, clothing line designer, blogger, and cat owner. I have been following her for years. Her imagery is bold and incorporates a dualism of cute and creepy - or beautiful and grotesque - that I thoroughly enjoy. Her use of the narrative through symbols and animals is incredibly appealing. I am a sucker for a good story and love the way humans have related to and explained events around them using anthropomorphism. Kristen's use of text and layering of design is fantastic. Her use of contrasting dark and bright color helps to emphasize the the conflicting gory and adorable components to her composition. I am personally very excited that her work will be at Invisible Hand Gallery in Lawrence, Kansas in November of this year.
Kansas City born Melora Creager is a cellist, singer-song writer, performance artist, history buff and a creator in general. She is the founding member of Rasputina, a quirky cello based band which incorporates a lot of performance art into their work. Melora writes all of the lyrics - usually based on odd happenings and historical events - and has designed 99% of their album art and merchandise. She is fascinated by the past, especially feminine aspects of it. Besides dressing in Victorian inspired undergarments - the corset, her fashion staple - she embroiders and uses prints from a few centuries past.
On the albums she exhibits a lot of humor with her dark and witty, well researched lyrics and spoken word pieces infused with cello music. At her shows, which I have been lucky enough to see a few, she has jokes and witticisms prepared for the transitions from song to song. Her ability to take interest in the strange and relate it back to others in a pleasing visual and auditory manner has kept me coming back to see what she's been uncovering.
On the albums she exhibits a lot of humor with her dark and witty, well researched lyrics and spoken word pieces infused with cello music. At her shows, which I have been lucky enough to see a few, she has jokes and witticisms prepared for the transitions from song to song. Her ability to take interest in the strange and relate it back to others in a pleasing visual and auditory manner has kept me coming back to see what she's been uncovering.