Artist Talk with Kirsten Stingle

Please join us for an artist talk with ceramics artist Kirsten Stingle. 

Artist Statement

My narrative sculptures confront a modern paradox: a globally connected world that heightens individual isolation and a superficial understanding of our place in the world. I strive to cut through feelings of disenchantment by focusing on common threads of the human experience, emphasizing our interconnectedness to the world. My sculptural storytelling creates a dialogue with the viewer, encouraging understanding and fostering relationships of curiosity. I wish for the viewer to be inspired by the wonder of imagination in which they are invited to explore ideas, fears, desires, and other points of view.

The primary protagonist in each sculpture is the hand-built porcelain figure, with special emphasis on the communication tools of gesture and expression. Through careful collaboration with vintage relics and other mediums such as fiber, metal, book arts, wood, and basketry, I transform an intricate mixture of disparate techniques into a seamless narrative vision. Layering each sculpture with a delicate balance of mixed media techniques makes the imagery more vivid and encourages the viewer to get lost in the narrative world.  

My ultimate objective is to extend my storytelling beyond the pedestal by creating an immersive and interactive experience for the viewer. In addition to combining different visual art techniques, I seek to collaborate with other art forms, such as performance, music, photography, video, and the written word, allowing the viewer to explore ideas through a more dynamic sensory experience.