BFA Thesis Exhibit
Hannah Ballinger-Grajeda
Artist Statement
Emerging from shadow, a bulbous life-form tastes this new atmosphere. Hands encompassing; busy seeking, sensing, and uncovering. Throughout time new layers emerge from what came before transforming into a beacon.
As each part coalesces the energy shifts. A unity materializes that dances with the individuality of the parts. As these objects grow and transform, mystery is exposed and enclosed simultaneously creating an endless adventure. Each finished piece marks a history of this cycle of mystery. An opening and closing to this portal.
As I build with this material my objects establish a sense of self that I begin to form a relationship with. I am open and curious towards the wonder they express. I listen carefully and respond with consideration and intention. My pieces ask me to be very aware of my body in space. As I challenge the material challenges my ability to find attunement and clarity in my senses. This dialog with the material and the forms that emerge causes a flux in the equilibrium. A transitional recording of interaction that then becomes solidified as an expression of time within relationship.
As each part coalesces the energy shifts. A unity materializes that dances with the individuality of the parts. As these objects grow and transform, mystery is exposed and enclosed simultaneously creating an endless adventure. Each finished piece marks a history of this cycle of mystery. An opening and closing to this portal.
As I build with this material my objects establish a sense of self that I begin to form a relationship with. I am open and curious towards the wonder they express. I listen carefully and respond with consideration and intention. My pieces ask me to be very aware of my body in space. As I challenge the material challenges my ability to find attunement and clarity in my senses. This dialog with the material and the forms that emerge causes a flux in the equilibrium. A transitional recording of interaction that then becomes solidified as an expression of time within relationship.
![Interwoven bulbous forms emerging upward into floral blooms ending in an arching lattice containing an orb of orange and pink light.](_images/01_hannahballiner-grajeda-660x949.jpg)
In Full Bloom // 38” x 17” x 17” // Stoneware, underglaze, glass, light bulb
![Fluid blue bodies twisting and arching break open at 5 points. Orange and yellow fungal-like lattice structures emerge from the openings.](_images/02_hannahballinger-grajeda-660x509.jpg)
Emergence // 38” x 57” x 30” // Stoneware, underglaze, engobe, glass
![A bright and warm-colored thrown and altered cup covered in symmetrical floral decoration.](_images/03_hannahballinger-grajeda-660x720.jpg)
Small Floral Mug // 4.5” x 4” x 4” // Porcelain, glaze and underglaze
![A carved celadon tea set including a teapot centered between two large cups and two small cups.](_images/04_hannahballinger-grajeda-660x373.jpg)
Celadon Tea set // 7” x 18” x 12” // Porcelain, celadon glaze
![A small four legged dish atop a celadon pool in a porcelain trivet.](_images/05_hannahballinger-grajeda-660x468.jpg)
Ice Skater // 3” x 5” x 5” // Porcelain, celadon, underglaze
![A funny sculpture of a cat whose eyes are stunned to see you.](_images/06_hannahballinger-grajeda-660x460.jpg)
Gracie // 13” x 16” x 25” // Iron Stoneware, Underglaze, Oxides
![Three hand-built chalices made of individual parts with fluid designs.](_images/07_hannahballinger-grajeda-660x498.jpg)
Three Chalices // 6.5”x13”x7” // Colored porcelain, underglaze, celadon glaze
![A matte black lidded round container with 3 long black bulbous legs and an undulating lid with fluid designs circulating the surface.](_images/08_hannahballinger-grajeda-660x808.jpg)
Container of Secrets // 7.5” x 5.5” x 5.5” // Black porcelain, underglaze
![A smoky lattice of pinched handle-shaped structures connected in a loose geometrical pattern atop a shallow dish atop three drop-shaped legs.](_images/09_hannahballinger-grajeda-660x636.jpg)
Ceramic Basket // 9” x 9” x 9” // Colored porcelain
![A lacquered, dark wood tea table with carved lattice skirt boards, and Queen Anne’s legs.](_images/10_hannahballinger-grajeda-660x593.jpg)
Tea Table // 14” x 20” x 12” // Walnut hardwood, lacquer, wood glue, screws