Heather Dickey 2020 BFA Defense Ceramics - "Composites"

Heather Dickey
2020 BFA Defense
        Ceramics

    “Composites”

Thesis Problem
 How do the things we consume represent us, in the sense that we are all
 composites, derivative of our experiences?

Thesis Problem Statement
      My work is best defined as a composite: a unit derivative of various parts or elements, which may be from one or multiple
 sources. To achieve composites, I approach my craft through consideration of found objects that can be experimented with,
 manipulated, and utilized in ways that may differ from their original function, as well as from a design-heavy intuitive sense of what
 may be aesthetically attractive and marketable. Appropriation also plays a large role in my work in that I am transforming both
 whole and fragmented found objects and combining them with objects of my own making. Creation happens by what and how I
 choose to combine these elements.
      Modern consumerism encourages the purchase of goods and services, and industry customization is the marketing strategy
 that allows for personalization and custom-made products. I am directly embracing both of these concepts within my work, as I am
 allowing patrons a direct hand in designing the product they will purchase via a design-your-own-cup business model, inspired
 from the design-your-own-shoe line many athletic brands have implemented. By giving the consumer a menu of possibilities of
 what their final product could look like, the consumer is captivated by the ownership of their item before any monetary transaction
 takes place, as well as given the illusion of being a designer, because consumers’ personal likings and perspectives play so heavily
 into how they choose to assemble a product. The pieces are designed or chosen to represent its buyer, and therefore, its buyer’s
 experiences. The piece designed may be bold and outrageous, or pleasant and pastel, which speaks about its curator’s interests,
 their preferences of aesthetic versus function, and own intuitive sense of design. Similarly, what I choose to assemble in terms of
 sculpture, larger works, and lamps speaks to who I am as an artist and  maker. These are objects made solely for me to satisfy a
 creative urge that a viewer would be invited to enjoy in the environment of a store front.
      What we buy and choose to display for ourselves is a signifier of our interests and personality at the specific time of purchase.
 The collection of the objects we have obtained in our homes serves a psychological function of salvaging the past and keeping the
 object as a signifier of time, and homes become compilations of our experiences, as well as an archival museum, documenting the
 different versions of ourselves, both past and present. In a storefront, the collaborative pieces, with myself and my patron as the
 collaborators, will be designed from a library of forms that can be chosen from and assembled and handmade by me.

Artist Statement
      My work finds its genesis in three dimensional collage. To form what I have exclusively called “composites,” found objects are
 molded and cast, each charged with their own place in society, history, and language. These whole and fragmented pre-existing
 forms are combined with designs of my own making. In its completed form, each piece seeks to fulfil a need within an
 individual through its representative capacities. I never make two pieces the same, which is attributed to my desire of wanting
 patrons to identify with one specific composition and form a unique connection with that item. Though possibly unbeknownst to
 the buyer, humans electively purchase nonessential goods because it connects with an unconscious preference or desire existing
 within them. Appropriation is used so extensively in my work because of the vast amounts of configurations I am able to achieve
 with elements of motif and ornamentation already available in society, thus rendering my forms accessible and familiar to an
 untrained eye. Finally, I combine collage and compositional techniques that can only be created through the hand and eye of an
 artist and industry-based techniques that allow for mass production. There are two main sides to my work: the business side and
 the side that satisfies a creative urge. The body of my work that invites customers to design their own unique Ceramic vessels
 prompts collaboration and customization and is a business model that embraces ethical consumerism. Patrons are invited to
 design their own Ceramic objects through a “menu” I have given them.  I still hold the position of the artist as I am the one who
 made or selected the decorative options given to the users, and my buyers are playing the role of a curator by choosing the
 structure of their forms. The second side to my work primarily exists as sculpture, lamps, and furniture. These large compilations
 are designed in concordance with my aesthetic preferences and allow for ample creative freedom, humor, and whimsical fun.

Bubble Vases, approx. 26” each
Porcelain and glaze

Reversible Cups
6” to 15” tall, ceramic and cone 6 glaze

Wood Kiln Composites
 Various sizes, porcelain and cone 10
  glaze

Composite Wood Kiln Cups
Approx. 10” tall, porcelain and glaze

Reversible Cup
14” porcelain and glaze

Human Composites
3” to 10” diameter, bronze, porcelain,
glaze

Human Composites
Approx. 8” tall, porcelain, bronze, glaze

Bisqueware

Bisqueware

Composite Maple Table
50” x 18” x 36”
Wood, porcelain, glaze

Ceramic Lamp
24” base
Porcelain, glaze, electric wiring

Various Ceramic Cups, Vases, Bowl
Assorted sizes
Porcelain, glaze

Lamp detail

Composite Cups
Approx. 8”, porcelain and glaze

Interchangeable Cup Series

Composite Necklaces
Porcelain,glaze, aluminum, bronze, chain

16-Piece Place Setting
Largest plate 13” diameter
Stoneware, glaze, overglaze, uinderglaze

“I _____ Therefore I Am”
18”x24,” Printmaking ink and paper

WIP Lamp and Sculptures
15” to 30” tall

Fabric Composites
Left to right: 14”x22,” 22”x30,” 22”x28”
Fabric, acrylic, framing

Fabric Composite Book
Fabric and photo paper
8” x 8”

thank you