Cathy Broski

 

My work is steeped in archetypal and personal symbolism. Figures, houses, boats and pottery are all vessels to contain things we hold dear, and sometimes those things we would cast off. I chose these forms to work with because they have several levels of meaning I find intriguing to explore. I love the idea of found objects, because of their journeys. I see people in much of the same way. When I go to a museum or a home and see these objects put into a special environment, they are reborn. 

Each piece begins on the potter’s wheel or with slabs; they grow with the application of coils or additional slabs. When each piece is completed, I carve the surface and let it dry. The base color is applied and fired. Once the first firing is complete, I apply and wipe off a combination of terra sigillatas, slips, stains, and glazes, then fire again. This process is repeated until I achieve the desired effect. Since receiving my BFA from Kansas City Art Institute in 1990, I have worked in the ceramics field in many capacities.

Each hand is cut from a thick slab of clay and formed into a general shape. When the clay becomes firm, the details are carved to form fingers and folds. Hearts symbolize love felt or given. Birds symbolize our inner voice or spirit. Boats symbolize our life journey. Houses symbolize our memories and accomplishments. Spirals symbolize ongoing life cycle or spirit.