Artist Statement

In my work I dissociate objects from their intended purpose and locations so that I can reconfigure or represent them in a way that can give them poetic meaning and lead to a questioning of the naturalness of their materiality and conditions of existence.

Rather than being bound by any particular methodology towards process and technique, I resist finding easy categories for the creative process and by extension, what the viewer can expect from the finished work. One of the most difficult and exciting aspects of my current process involves negotiating the space between the unexpected and surprising outcomes of a particular process and communicating explicit content and intention. Through this negotiation, I discover meaningful relationships that arise from an activity of unmaking and remaking, intervention and transformation.

Recent Work

Artist Statement

images of new work

Statement

Daniel Forrest Hoffman

As I look around the city I grew up in I see many structures being cleared to make way for newer buildings. In addition I notice an American custom of romanticizing our history. We do this through naming rivers after Native Americans, and by commemorating where old buildings once stood. This practice seems to represent a disconnect between the city and its inhabitants; a disconnect between place and subject; a disconnect between people and culture. I wonder where that disconnect lies and how we repair it before we destroy things that we really want.
While living in Rome I noticed the ruins of one amphitheatre of which my guide didn’t even know the history. With so much historically significant architecture the city could have easily demolished this in favor of a new building, which would have utilized Rome’s space more efficiently. Instead they reinforced the structure and put apartments inside maintaining the historic façade. I immediately contrasted that to my hometown where we had just demolished Veterans’ Stadium. Now “Vet” Stadium I’m sure wasn’t nearly as historically significant as this ancient Roman amphitheatre, but many people had memories there. It was a part of my hometown.
Thinking back on my travel experiences and the reverence for place and history that exists in the inhabitants there, illustrated a sharp contrast to my hometown. It seemed that one of the major differences is that as a country of immigrants we have such shallow roots that we have no real investment in place. Personal and community experiences create an investment in place.
How do we relate to our homes in a culture where the physical structure of the home probably will not last? Is the structure important? How are our memories impacted by the practice of demolition and reconstruction as opposed to simply renovation? How does all of this impact family? How do the memories of a place live on after that place has been demolished? These are questions I wish to address in my work.

Source Material

More Source Material

source material !!

hidin' in the woods!

character maps!

mascot head! and Orozco skull!

cow duck!

Source Material

Source material

this mustache is the source of all of my work.

more source stuff

Source Material

This is my graph paper and my shark Adam made for me. I think the graph paper is a little more influential, as I've been thinking about it and making things with it. It occupies a space in my brain that sounds like this, is it line? is it pattern? is it line?..........The shark is just awesome it's 5 feet long, has 6 tounges and emerald green eyes.

So Much Hair

Baby cheese grater and turkcalf

Pick up Sticks - Winner!

Is seems like working with your hands has unexpected benefits (like having the physical control and dexterity to win the 2009 Pick up Sticks tournament!!!)

Help a Former OSUer

Check out my super etsy sale. all last years work just waiting for you to buy.

so darn cheap. gotta pay those student loans you know.

naomiclearyceramics.etsy.com

Rainbow Toothpaste

Sometimes grad school means rainbow toothpaste art.

welcome to the midwest

Non Fiction at The Clay Studio

Check out my post on the Non Fiction Show at TCS.

Doffman

another summer blown

Didn't learn to speak French, didn't pick up the guitar - late on that proposal and my office is still a mess -

dresden or bust!

some of us are hanging out in dresden and working at the dresden porcelain factory. oo la la.
check out our blogs to read about and see the good times.


meredithhost.blogspot.com
guymichaeldavis.blogspot.com
nonfictiongroup.blogspot.com

PMA and ME!!!

I just got the call. I am going to be doing the Philadelphia Museum Craft Show. I am so excited!!!!
My good friend Ingrid Bathe is doing the show as well. My I am going to be crazy busy for the next few months. But I really am so very excited

Live Update

Here is something to explore at The Ohio State University. Look at http://guymichaeldavis.blogspot.com/, for some real excitement!!!

Postcard from Philly

Hello, just leaving an update.

Philadelphia is stinking hot but still great. The studio is a super mess as I prepare for a few upcoming shows and sales but it is so very nice to make dishes all day long.

I also have listed a ton of work in my shop and it seems to be going over very well. Perhaps you need a dish for a wedding this summer or your kitchen is yearning for a little extra color.



So I have finally gotten around to updating my website and I must say I am very happy with it.
Please take a look and let me know what you think. I also am posting on Melt my Heart fairly regularly so I you are really curious about what it is that i do with my time, check it out often.
Bye for now.
Naomi

Technicolor Menagerie

It still amazes me how much it changes due to distance.

DAVIS M.F.A THESIS SHOW

Here is the limited edition show poster printed on Katie's letter press plus a peak of my porcelain installation on exhibit at the O.S.U Urban Arts Space.
Look at my blog for more pics of the show plus other radical projects!!!