“Massive Mess We’re In”
12” X 16”
Handmade Ceramic, Stone, Glass, Smalti, Beads, Found Objects
September 27, 2024
Hurricane Helene hit Asheville, NC, and Western NC acausing major damage. Heavy winds and rain caused landslides and floods that destroyed roads and homes. Many lives were lost as the storm shook the area. The River Arts District, famous for its art studios and galleries, was mostly destroyed and covered in mud.
In the Balinese culture, creativity is so deeply woven into the fabric of daily life that they have no separate words for "artist" and "human being". This beautifully captures the idea that creativity is an inherent part of our humanity, not a special designation for a select few. I see myself simply as a human being, one who is in touch with her creative essence, and allows that innate creativity to flow.
My modern abstract mosaics draw inspiration from a variety of materials, textures and color combinations. I breathe new life into broken vessels, discarded tiles, and vintage jewelry, incorporating their fragments alongside pieces of handmade pottery. Natural elements like rocks and gemstones harmonize with the manufactured precision of beads and buttons. The vibrant hues of Italian smalti add depth and brilliance to my work.
However, the true muse behind my work has been composer, Joni Mitchell, whose music and lyrics have resonated with me for decades. By naming my works with Mitchell's lyrics, I create an additional layer of meaning, inviting viewers to experience the connection between sound, word, and image.
Phyliss Ward
VISUAL ARTIST
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