stoneware, porcelain; 6.5×5.75×5
Movement: “These traditional vessels represent shared history that communities and cultures build together. The soft forms of these pots were damaged by the thrown ‘ice’ cubes, showing the destruction ICE causes to the families and culture of the US. They create a lasting burden of fear and violence that ultimately destroys our communities if left to continue. These pieces stand as a record of that harm; however, the pots themselves still have the same resilience that the people do.”
stoneware, porcelain; 5.75×5.25×4.75”
Can You Sleep at Night ?: “The original form of this vessel was thrown in a traditional shape to represent the people and daily lives of our culture. While the clay was still wet, a porcelain “ice” cube was thrown into it, causing irreparable damage. This physical trauma mirrors the violence ICE brings into our neighborhoods, illustrating how much harm can be caused to the people and communities in the United States by a small, unnecessary group.”
stoneware, porcelain; 4.5×5.5×5”
What Will You Do When We Devour You Whole ?: “This vessel captures the moment of the impact from where the porcelain ‘ice’ struck the wet clay. While it left a permanent scar on the exterior, the cube has fallen inside, becoming swallowed by the pot’s larger volume. It shows that while ICE intends to break our communities, the people are larger than they are. Together, the community is strong enough to swallow the threat whole and keep standing despite the damage.”
ARTIST BIO: Lauryn O. King is an interdisciplinary artist and educator primarily working in ceramics and fibers. She holds a BFA in Sculpture and Fibers from Xavier University and is currently pursuing her MFA in Ceramics at Miami University. Lauryn teaches at the university level while maintaining an active studio practice. Her work has been exhibited across the United States and is held in many public and private collections, including Summerfair and the Ohio Governor’s Office.