Artist Jessica Stoller back in the studios!

December 19th, 2011 at 08:00am jessica stoller

I just wanted to start off my residency by thanking the Education Department @ MAD for having me back!  I was a previous resident for several months back in 2010. I really enjoyed my time working at MAD and its great to be back.  Since my time spent in the studios I have been burning the candle at both ends. I have been exhibiting my work steadily and was also away for 2.5 months particpating in the Kohler Arts & Industry Residency.

For my first post I want to share some images and insights about my experience @ Kohler. ( FYI Kohler professionally shoots all artist in a mid – session photo shot as well as documenting all work created ).  I could talk ENDLESSLY about my experience at Kohler but I will attempt to keep it short and sweet. In essence it was a really amazing opportunity to be able to fully immerse myself in my work and have 24 hr access to the KOHLER factory. For any other artist interested in the process of slipcasting I fully recommend applying. The factory environment allowed me to witness the creation of so many objects ( ie toilets & sinks) that we interact with every day and to see how the automated processes of the factory also overlaps with the hand- made. Although the factory is incredibly modern with an amazing tunnel kiln firing round the clock  there remains a large portion of the work that is done by individuals and not machines. The “casters” fill each mold and pour them out  in 2 man teams in perfect tandem, most pieces are cleaned by hand with a wet sponge and all wares are carefully loaded onto the kiln carts by 2 man teams as well. Kohler company is to my knowledge the only international manufacturer that actively engages and wholeheartedly supports the arts.

While a resident there I  created a large sculptural installation of hybrid lotus flower forms, referencing the practice of 11th century Chinese foot binding. I am interested in investigating the objectification of the female body and the thin line between beauty and deformity, which is often pushed in fashion throughout ancient and contemporary cultures.
Untitled, 2011, glazed vitreous china, china paint, 69″ x 69″ x 10″

Please feel free to check out my site with all recent work and do not hesitate with any questions ..

JS: Website

Kohler Arts / Industry  Program

Filling up my molds with the pressurized slip ( liquid clay)

(Detail ) Untitled, 2011, glazed vitreous china, china paint, 69" x 69" x 10

Sculpture made @ Kohler: Untitled, 2011, glazed vitreous china, china paint, 69" x 69" x 10"

Entry Filed under: in the studio