See an Exhibition
Solo Exhibition
Allison Luce
“The Serpent Tree”
January 14- February 26, 2012
Opening: Saturday, January 14, 6-8pm
View The Gallery Online
Artist Statement
Conceptually, this work is based upon the notion of the human body being a shelter for the soul. I work primarily in ceramics, connecting my artwork made in a post-modern context to the rich and ancient history of clay. Drawing inspiration from nature as well as art historical sources, I am attempting to rectify my current presence with a visual history from the past. I am particularly interested in iconography and the concept of a symbol or object conveying a meaning larger than itself. Beginning with the concept of clay as a metaphor for the body, these pieces are hand built and are hollow inside while mostly appearing to be solid. The hollow interiors of these pieces are symbolic of the soul, while the clay exterior references the delicate and ephemeral nature of life.
“The Serpent Tree” explores concerns about fragility and femininity and its relation to the concept of eternity. The idea for this body of work comes from the story of the Garden of Eden and explores issues regarding the frailty of the body and the fallibility of man. Referencing nature as well as the body, these sculptures are about birth, growth, temptation and the passage from innocence to experience.
