The human body is a container. It holds precious elements that give life, but it also encloses inner thoughts and emotions that are created by the individual. Skin is the ultimate protector of the body. It shields the inside from harmful diseases and protects from the abrasive elements that are looking to cause harm. Skin is a window, allowing those that live beyond to simply gaze inside and experience the information that is meant to be private. In moments of embarrassment, anger, and happiness, the skin displays this information for all to see, often betraying the permission of the individual wearing it.

Mixed Emotions is an exhibition focusing on ceramic sculptures that portray daily rituals in preserving skin as well as the moments when emotion is being translated using one’s skin. Skin is often on the receiving end of harmful actions that are triggered by anxiety and internal thoughts. The application of creams, serums and ointments are done in a ritualistic as well as a compulsive manner to ease pain and involuntary itching.

Mixed Emotions is a display of 8 free standing ceramic sculptures that are ambiguous depictions of human bodies. These sculptures are hand built, fired to a 08 and coated in a silicone skin, giving the appearance and feel of flesh. Alongside the freestanding sculptures a large display of ceramic bottles that have been slip cast will act as a barrier or perimeter to the entire show.

Photo Credit: Brittany Brooke Crow.