Sara Merkel’s ceramic works are an exploration of geometric shapes and floral embellishments. Crown Vase is a striking piece that demands attention and has a unique presence of its own. The top opening of the vase has the scalloped points that resemble a crown shape. Beneath the scallops are carved out circles surrounding the neck of the vase. On the top one half of the swell of the vase is an interlacing pattern of elongated diamonds above and ovals below them. Directly below the ovals is a carved solid black line encircling the entirety of the piece. The bottom half of the vase holds quite a bit of negative space, and at the bottom, there are two twin black lines mirroring the one above. 

The sculptural elements of this vase invite the viewer to explore the piece on all sides. The most prominent feature of the vase is that the viewer can see through most of the top half, allowing the surroundings of the vase to become a part of the piece as well. The contrast of the black accented paint around each cut shape and carved line is a simple yet effective contrast. The work in the rest of Merkel’s series displays similar elegance, repeating patterns, and sculptural design. Merkel shows true craftsmanship through their precision with a use of their tools, as well as through their design elements.

Review by Katrina Noell

 

 

ARTIST STATEMENT

While taking my first Ceramics course, I noticed this art form incorporated other studio art skills that I was learning as well such as sculpture, painting, and drawing. Throughout my Ceramic courses I began thinking of creating decorative pieces that are still familiar yet intriguing. Creating art for the world to view is so profound that I want my art to feel complete and have distinct details to keep one’s interest.

Inspiration comes from my family’s Italian culture, floral design, and sacred geometry. In my Islamic Art History course I began to understand the importance of all-over surface design and how geometric patterns can seem sacred and intoxicating. Patterns I have carved into pots echo classic Florentine patterns and lush European fabric wallpaper. My ceramic pieces start as wheel thrown pots and then I attempt to add visual interest with decoration. I like to keep the clay body shown through a clear or semi-opaque glaze so the etched or carved patterns become the decoration more than the glaze itself. Keeping the clay body visible in the finished product is a reminder of how pure and ancient this art form is.

I hope you will see my pieces seem simple, yet fully occupied. After graduation I fully intend to continue creating ceramic art. I want to expand my abilities on the wheel and continue to make double-walled decorated, practical vessels. I also hope to continue studying the history of sacred geometry to help perfect my personal decorative style.

 

BIOGRAPHY

I was born in Simi Valley, California in 1988. When I was young my family moved to the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio.

After graduating high school in 2007, I knew I wanted to find a career within the arts, so I began college focusing on a Visual Communication Design degree at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. After a couple years I realized that I didn’t want a career fully dependent upon using a computer since I found myself gravitating towards studio art classes. I took a break from school and moved to Asheville, North Carolina.

While living in Asheville I have been working as a floral designer for about 5 years now. After getting accepted into UNC Asheville I found myself wanting to learn more about Ceramics. I love how Ceramics blends technical principles found within fine arts and allows for the tactile experience needed to create three dimensional art.