Artist Statement

I have always enjoyed the forms and shapes of nature. There is a powerful serenity in them, even the parts that aren’t ‘pretty.’ I often find myself connecting with nature more than with others. It feels easier to create a kinship with the things that cannot talk back nor judge, or are simply existing and enjoying the fullness of life. As such, my work aims to demonstrate that connection, and the broader relationship between humankind and the environment we live in.

I have worked with multiple mediums including: printmaking, weaving, stone carving, welding, among others. Recently, I have gravitated heavily toward ceramics. Working sculpturally with clay allows me to dive into the ideas at the core of my work: human psychology, connections to the world around us, and the vulnerability of personal identity. Clay lends itself to dramatic manipulation and striking color, allowing me to take such complicated topics and put them into unique, physical forms. I highlight the beauty and wonder of the natural world to encourage others to find joy in nature where they may not have seen it before. Bringing the environment and human experiences together allows people to understand me, and each other, better.

Art is a tool for communication and connection. With my work, I take experiences that are solely my own – the way I perceive the world and my constant struggle with mental health – and express them in a way that others can see. In the modern age, we try so hard to separate ourselves from nature, to pursue urbanization and reject empathy for the broader world around us. Yet, I firmly believe we should embrace it wholeheartedly.

– Madison “MJ” Russell