ARTIST STATEMENTS
Growing Pains:
“Growing Pains” is a series of porcelain sculptures that embody personal growth as a complicated yet vulnerable transformation. The foundation of this work is grounded in healing, awareness and reflection on the temporality of this fragile life. Reminiscent of bones, these works are embedded with metal to highlight imperfections and expose their fractures. Symbolically they represent the core essence of the inner self and its resilience. Our body, mind and soul experience significant transitions in this lifetime. Whether wondrous or painful, such knowledge is a measurement of evolution and change. Just as our past is reminiscent of where we have been, we continue to progress as a collective and an individual.
The porcelain and petrified wood used in this body of work further augments the notion of transformation. Porcelain is a material that endures multiple physical and chemical stages through drying and firing cycles, while the wood encounters many changes over a vast length of time. The materials are artifacts and memories of their process of change and it’s preservation.
“Growing Pains” is a series of porcelain sculptures that embody personal growth as a complicated yet vulnerable transformation. The foundation of this work is grounded in healing, awareness and reflection on the temporality of this fragile life. Reminiscent of bones, these works are embedded with metal to highlight imperfections and expose their fractures. Symbolically they represent the core essence of the inner self and its resilience. Our body, mind and soul experience significant transitions in this lifetime. Whether wondrous or painful, such knowledge is a measurement of evolution and change. Just as our past is reminiscent of where we have been, we continue to progress as a collective and an individual.
The porcelain and petrified wood used in this body of work further augments the notion of transformation. Porcelain is a material that endures multiple physical and chemical stages through drying and firing cycles, while the wood encounters many changes over a vast length of time. The materials are artifacts and memories of their process of change and it’s preservation.
Roots of Consciousness:
As we evolve both individually and collectively, it is certain there will come a point when we reflect on where we once stood. We have a choice to grow and change, or live and believe the same truths of the past. There is always a story and an experience that has framed our interpretation. “Roots of Consciousness” is a reflection of my own perspective and exposure of the multitude of layers within my own narrative. This body of work came to fruition while having immersed myself in a new job amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains. A daily connection with the natural world while being surrounded by its alluring textures, abstract forms and quiet stories. It was inevitable these experiences were translated into my art. Yet another facet of these creations link to the work I have done on a spiritual level. Uncovering and shining a light on many of the tales I’ve adopted as truth in my life. Each piece in this collection carries a weight. Their own awareness, complexities and healing potentials regarding acceptance and change. The process of creation has always been a powerful place of meditation and surrendering to the moment. It allows me to let go of control and simply listen to the material. Perhaps this work is my perspective, yet I do believe it is a reflection of our collective consciousness and our ability to heal.
As we evolve both individually and collectively, it is certain there will come a point when we reflect on where we once stood. We have a choice to grow and change, or live and believe the same truths of the past. There is always a story and an experience that has framed our interpretation. “Roots of Consciousness” is a reflection of my own perspective and exposure of the multitude of layers within my own narrative. This body of work came to fruition while having immersed myself in a new job amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains. A daily connection with the natural world while being surrounded by its alluring textures, abstract forms and quiet stories. It was inevitable these experiences were translated into my art. Yet another facet of these creations link to the work I have done on a spiritual level. Uncovering and shining a light on many of the tales I’ve adopted as truth in my life. Each piece in this collection carries a weight. Their own awareness, complexities and healing potentials regarding acceptance and change. The process of creation has always been a powerful place of meditation and surrendering to the moment. It allows me to let go of control and simply listen to the material. Perhaps this work is my perspective, yet I do believe it is a reflection of our collective consciousness and our ability to heal.
Ethereal Matter:
“Ethereal Matter” is a body of work that is grounded in surrendering, embracing the flaws and trusting the process. These sculptures are a reflection of my ever-evolving self and personal growth; while invariably witnessing the human condition through material. Creating from an intuitive place, the porcelain led me down a path towards a playful and loose technique. Carving is a space in which I am able to let go of control and listen to the material; quieting the mind and following the lead of the clay. It’s visceral and silky texture is alluring, while mirroring the sense of flow I have been mindful to embrace in my everyday life. These airy, yet open forms exhibit a fluid nature that so naturally embodies its imperfections. This sacred space within my creations has always been one of my greatest teachers of patience. From start to finish, the movement of the clay and my engagement, has assisted me in relinquishing control, expanding my heart and trusting the process; just a little bit more.
“Ethereal Matter” is a body of work that is grounded in surrendering, embracing the flaws and trusting the process. These sculptures are a reflection of my ever-evolving self and personal growth; while invariably witnessing the human condition through material. Creating from an intuitive place, the porcelain led me down a path towards a playful and loose technique. Carving is a space in which I am able to let go of control and listen to the material; quieting the mind and following the lead of the clay. It’s visceral and silky texture is alluring, while mirroring the sense of flow I have been mindful to embrace in my everyday life. These airy, yet open forms exhibit a fluid nature that so naturally embodies its imperfections. This sacred space within my creations has always been one of my greatest teachers of patience. From start to finish, the movement of the clay and my engagement, has assisted me in relinquishing control, expanding my heart and trusting the process; just a little bit more.
Fungi:
Fungi, the oldest species to exist on land. One of our greatest healers to exemplify and embody growth, change, and transformation. Through decay and renewal, mycelium and its fruits are an ever-expanding network supporting Mother Nature and the human race. When discovering mushrooms almost a decade ago it was inevitable that this expansive and diverse kingdom spoke to me on my creative path. Their alluring and other-worldly textures and colors formally enticed me to explore its role in healing and how it paralleled the roots of my work. My sculptural creations are grounded in healing, awareness, growth and a reflection of the temporality of life. Nature’s mesmerizing patterns, the many facets and concepts of biology, psychology and the human condition continue to inspire my art and my fascination with consciousness and evolutionary growth.
This series of work, “Fungi” has been an exploration of the language of this fascinating organism and their ability to heal this planet and the human species. The psychological, physical and spiritual benefits are uncanning and through my current research, mushroom cultivation and foraging experiences; I have come to find a passion, advocacy and desire in representing, highlighting and bringing attention to the diversity, healing potentials and the captivating nature of the mushroom through form and the purest of earthly clay bodies, porcelain.
Fungi, the oldest species to exist on land. One of our greatest healers to exemplify and embody growth, change, and transformation. Through decay and renewal, mycelium and its fruits are an ever-expanding network supporting Mother Nature and the human race. When discovering mushrooms almost a decade ago it was inevitable that this expansive and diverse kingdom spoke to me on my creative path. Their alluring and other-worldly textures and colors formally enticed me to explore its role in healing and how it paralleled the roots of my work. My sculptural creations are grounded in healing, awareness, growth and a reflection of the temporality of life. Nature’s mesmerizing patterns, the many facets and concepts of biology, psychology and the human condition continue to inspire my art and my fascination with consciousness and evolutionary growth.
This series of work, “Fungi” has been an exploration of the language of this fascinating organism and their ability to heal this planet and the human species. The psychological, physical and spiritual benefits are uncanning and through my current research, mushroom cultivation and foraging experiences; I have come to find a passion, advocacy and desire in representing, highlighting and bringing attention to the diversity, healing potentials and the captivating nature of the mushroom through form and the purest of earthly clay bodies, porcelain.
Journey Home:
What would this world look like if we as a collective and individual, we were to understand the depths of ourselves; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? An awareness of who we are, where we come from and where our heart desires to go. To live a life of authenticity, rooted in love. This consciousness takes time, work, acceptance, and patience. A process that does not happen overnight, but rather a myriad of experiences throughout a lifetime; and a devotion to this reflection. A commitment to love, comprehend and accept ourselves first, so that we are able to more fully love and care for one another, and this planet. The human condition is a lifelong journey of exploration, lessons, experimentation, play, joy, pain and heartache. An ebb and flow that allows us the opportunity to witness, embrace and change the patterns that are no longer serving us. Just as in nature, there is always a beginning and an end. An ever-evolving process of destruction and renewal that exists in all of us. Whether it be the roots of a tree, the mycelium beneath our feet, or the human species; we are designed to grow, evolve and share in this connection and the endless beauty within all of creation.
“Journey Home” is a collection of work throughout my time here in the Blue Ridge Mountains that embodies this evolution of coming home to myself and a deep reflection of this process. These past seven years, while challenging, have been a fruitful and remarkable chapter of personal growth. An awakening to the stillness within and a desire to live from the heart and connect with this beautiful world around us. Within this work I am exemplifying through material, form, color and process, both the literal and metaphorical notion of patterns, change and evolution. An exploration and reflection of the symbiosis within the human condition, nature and the process of coming home.
What would this world look like if we as a collective and individual, we were to understand the depths of ourselves; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? An awareness of who we are, where we come from and where our heart desires to go. To live a life of authenticity, rooted in love. This consciousness takes time, work, acceptance, and patience. A process that does not happen overnight, but rather a myriad of experiences throughout a lifetime; and a devotion to this reflection. A commitment to love, comprehend and accept ourselves first, so that we are able to more fully love and care for one another, and this planet. The human condition is a lifelong journey of exploration, lessons, experimentation, play, joy, pain and heartache. An ebb and flow that allows us the opportunity to witness, embrace and change the patterns that are no longer serving us. Just as in nature, there is always a beginning and an end. An ever-evolving process of destruction and renewal that exists in all of us. Whether it be the roots of a tree, the mycelium beneath our feet, or the human species; we are designed to grow, evolve and share in this connection and the endless beauty within all of creation.
“Journey Home” is a collection of work throughout my time here in the Blue Ridge Mountains that embodies this evolution of coming home to myself and a deep reflection of this process. These past seven years, while challenging, have been a fruitful and remarkable chapter of personal growth. An awakening to the stillness within and a desire to live from the heart and connect with this beautiful world around us. Within this work I am exemplifying through material, form, color and process, both the literal and metaphorical notion of patterns, change and evolution. An exploration and reflection of the symbiosis within the human condition, nature and the process of coming home.
Elemental Energy:
With alluring textures and a sense of flow, Nina Kawar’s porcelain sculptures and paper works exhibit the evolving process of conscious growth and expansion. Her artwork seen in “Elemental Energy” are creations from multiple series that have developed and transitioned over the last six years. This collection gives rise to the shedding, movement and moments of reflection required to cultivate change and healing. Inspired by nature and its elements, each piece individually and collectively speaks to the ebb and flow in embodying her creative and feminine power.
With alluring textures and a sense of flow, Nina Kawar’s porcelain sculptures and paper works exhibit the evolving process of conscious growth and expansion. Her artwork seen in “Elemental Energy” are creations from multiple series that have developed and transitioned over the last six years. This collection gives rise to the shedding, movement and moments of reflection required to cultivate change and healing. Inspired by nature and its elements, each piece individually and collectively speaks to the ebb and flow in embodying her creative and feminine power.
Liminal:
Pain and suffering are a reoccurring part of the human condition. Life’s adversities and challenges are both a physical and psychological process of infliction and renewal that is temporary, and with time comes healing. In a liminal space between initial pain and restoration, the body, mind, and spirit experience multiple stages of healing.
As human beings, we are constantly changing and evolving within the self and often such changes stem from these difficult transitions. It is through memory that we create self-continuity and how we construct our personal identities. Once finding renewal and stability in this psychological space, this experience does not cease to exist, but remains as a reminder of who we once were and our capabilities to endure.
In this body of work I am examining the transitions that occur within the space of healing and how damage and repair generates contemplation and personal growth. My installation references both the visceral and psychological stages within healing through the use of material, form, color and process. The abstracted forms made of fibers, clay slip and wax further reference bone, skin and tissues both fragmented and repaired. The spatial environment evokes the literal and metaphorical notion of restoration through a visual, olfactory and physical experience. By looking up, navigating the space, and engaging in its details, the conditions embody personal reflection of life passages and the hope for transcendence. Through this installation I have set in motion the possibility of catharsis for those who engage my work fully.
Pain and suffering are a reoccurring part of the human condition. Life’s adversities and challenges are both a physical and psychological process of infliction and renewal that is temporary, and with time comes healing. In a liminal space between initial pain and restoration, the body, mind, and spirit experience multiple stages of healing.
As human beings, we are constantly changing and evolving within the self and often such changes stem from these difficult transitions. It is through memory that we create self-continuity and how we construct our personal identities. Once finding renewal and stability in this psychological space, this experience does not cease to exist, but remains as a reminder of who we once were and our capabilities to endure.
In this body of work I am examining the transitions that occur within the space of healing and how damage and repair generates contemplation and personal growth. My installation references both the visceral and psychological stages within healing through the use of material, form, color and process. The abstracted forms made of fibers, clay slip and wax further reference bone, skin and tissues both fragmented and repaired. The spatial environment evokes the literal and metaphorical notion of restoration through a visual, olfactory and physical experience. By looking up, navigating the space, and engaging in its details, the conditions embody personal reflection of life passages and the hope for transcendence. Through this installation I have set in motion the possibility of catharsis for those who engage my work fully.