Artist Statement
I create art objects and sculptures primarily composed of ceramic with glass, fiber, and found items to celebrate sacred rites of transition.
My work contemplates the cycles of death, life, and renewal in the natural world and unseen realms because I am drawn to memory and ritual as portals. Informed by visiting archaeological sites, landscapes, and tombs from an early age, my artistic journey pays respect to mythology, animism, and ancestral storytelling.
I approach each piece with enduring materials and layered glazes that can be manipulated like paint, which allows me to embed a sense of safety, love, and alignment. My process is intuitive and neurodivergent, involving mystical-realism to construct forms as offerings to adorn installations or everyday spaces.
Through my artwork, I hope to invite reflection on ideologies and belonging, to contribute to helping people reimagine their relationship with the liminal unknown.
About Orphan Ten
Orphan Ten is my backyard studio, named after a Modern-Shed that was “orphaned” after a developer took delivery of seven of ten units before running out of money. Aside from being a lucky number, #10 was the last in the production line and easily customizable to accommodate a kiln and potter's wheel.
The name is also an homage to my grandmother Lillian, who was orphaned at 3yrs old and adopted at 7yrs old. She was a champion of creativity, and when I’d paint outside the lines on her picnic table, she would simply wash it off with a hose at the end of the day. In her sixties, Grandma took up painting and became quite an accomplished artist, selling her landscape and floral scenes locally.
I love how the name Orphan Ten reflects the past, present, and future of the space and my work as a ceramic artist. Learn more about my inspiration and process on Instagram @orphanten.
Giving
I believe that art has the power to spark positive change in the world. Since launching Orphan Ten in 2019, I have donated a percentage of my proceeds to Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Crafting The Future, Lavender Rights Project, yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective, and the Duwamish Tribe. As a fourth generation Seattleite, I acknowledge that we are on the unceded ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Coast Salish people. A people that are still here, continuing to honor and bring to light their ancient heritage.
