BIRDS [I] VIEW
CERAMIC SCULPTURE OF JACQUELINE JROLF
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A bird’s eye
view is a phrase that describes a general view from above. The sculptural
ceramic work I create presents a general view of human emotions depicted in
sculptures that take the form of humanized birds. These anthropomorphized forms
portray a range of expressive gestures depicting among other things love, loss,
angst or elation. The image of the bird as a harbinger of peace is a
common subject in my work and is rendered in a variety of ways from weary and
war torn, to victorious or at peace.
My creative process
begins with finding a word or poem with which I can find resonance. I depict it
by manipulating the clay without conscious editing: pinching, pulling, and
pounding until a form emerges from the mass. This way of working is what I call
my stream of consciousness technique. The following poem by Edward Thomas (1878-1917)
set me on the path to creating work with the avian theme and was the catalyst
for this newest body of work:
THAW
OVER the land half freckled with snow half-thawed
The speculating rooks at their nests cawed,
And saw from elm-tops, delicate as a flower of grass,
What we below could not see, winter pass.
Poems are essential to
the creation of my body of work. They act as conduit from my subconscious to my
conscious mind. The words give me strength and comfort as I work in the clay, trying
to give form to feelings.
Most of my recent work
has taken the form of the reliquary. I am fascinated by the sacred nature
suggested by this format as well as by the mysterious, often lush, and
secretive interior space. These reliquaries can be used to hold small mementos,
cremains or memories. They bridge the gap between the sculptural and functional
form while imbuing the object with deep emotional content.
Many
cultures and religions believe that the bird represents the soul or spirit of a
person. I find that he act of creating these pieces brings me closer to a
clearer understanding of my world.
email
address:jjrolf@yahoo.com