Jill E. Allen – Ceramic Objects and Other Things

Artist Statement

“Other worlds,” such as the worlds of science fiction, outer space, technology and the human imagination are places that hold great beauty, mystery and possibility. There are a multitude of connections existing within each of these worlds, all in a delicate balance, capable of great good and tremendous folly. The objects I create explore that delicate balance. Each sculpture is an investigation into the many connections that are present within each living system, and the endless ways that each connection can affect or alter another.

Clay, wire, plastic, wood and fabric are used in my work for their abilities to be manipulated into unusual shapes and glazed with “other-worldly” surfaces. Shadows on the wall become a part of the work, moving with the materials in subtle ways. Abstracted organic shapes and varied textures are used to suggest something familiar, while nudging the viewer to search his or her own imagination for understanding. 

Teaching

Teaching ceramics and pottery over the years has given me the opportunity to share my passions of working with my hands, inventing, and creating unexpected things with students of all ages. Working creatively with clay is something that benefits everyone who discovers this material, and I love being a part of that discovery with students. Often students will begin a ceramics class with a bit of hesitation, secretly confiding that they believe they are not a creative person and are worried about not doing well in the class. I can only smile, because it doesn’t take long for that fear to recede, for a sense of peace and curiosity to take over, and for them to build things that they never imagined they could. Students have shared the many ways that working with clay has benefited other areas of their lives, such as helping them gain skills required to get into grad school for physical therapy, dental school, or architecture; giving them the experience to become more aware of our material culture; or allowing them the opportunity to “get out of their heads” for a while. That last one feels especially significant right now.