Creator Record
Metadata
Name |
Kraft, Alex |
Nationality or Tribal Affiliation |
American |
Places of residence |
Dahlonega, GA |
Notes |
From the website, alexkraftart.com: Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Alex Kraft received her BFA in ceramics and her BS in art education from Northern Arizona University and her MFA from the University of Montana. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and participated in artist in residence programs including the following. She was a short-term artist in residence at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana, spent a year in residence at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, was a short-term artist in residence at the Clay Studio of Missoula, a yearlong artist in residence at the Roswell Artist in Residence Program, a Kiln God resident at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, and a short term resident at Red Lodge Clay Center. She is a practicing studio artist, was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico – Gallup and currently teaches at the University of North Georgia. Artist Statement for works in MAM Collection, 2008: I am interested in using the viscera and bodily systems as a departure point for imagined life forms and their environments. I see the internal structure of the body being comprised of two main aspects. These are physical internal and sacred internal. The first is that which is material: muscles, bones, organs, etc. These are visualized from macro organ level to micro cellular level. The second is that which is the intangible essence: emotion, intellect, intuition, instinct, etc. The sacred internal and physical internal comprise the same energy. It is as possible to feel emotion physically as it is to have physical acts cause emotion. In my work, these internal layers are the grounds for the external tangible forms I create. The physicality of form, color, and surface correspond to the energy within. My recent work has evolved around the above mentioned frame of reference. My current body of work employs layered oxidation glaze firing from mid range temperatures through non-fired surfaces. I have developed a brightly colored, multi-surfaced glazed palette that unifies the formal qualities of my work with its content. Concepts relating to the internal are also evident in my two-dimensional and mixed media works. I am interested in creating forms that become individuals unto themselves, exuding their own life force, while relating to layers of anatomy. Recently, I have also been exploring functional forms such as cups and bowls. I use a mid-range porcelain or over-fired earthenware and incorporate slip trailing, mishima, image transfer and other decorative treatments that encourage a wide variety of surface design. A personal iconography that extends to archetypal symbol is developed through drawing in relation to form. Pattern and decoration seep into my sculptural forms by way of this venture. It is exciting to see a relationship develop between these two seemingly separate endeavors. |
