Content copyright . Deborah Francis Clay Sculpture & Jewelry. All rights reserved.
Artist Statement
My process of working could best be described as a tactile dialog. The direction the work takes is guided by my willingness to see the unexpected and possible directions the material is able to move along toward a final form. Over time, my focus has shifted from hand built ceramics to sculpture and jewelry created with polymer clay. I am now exploring how I can use polymer clay on a large scale to create relief sculptures. Some of my polymer clay jewelry now incorporates metals and found objects.
I am drawn to organic forms for inspiration. Themes of creation myths and man's relationship to earth recur in my sculptures as does the coexistence of ancient and modern imagery.
Texture, color and shape guide the creation of my jewelry. I love assembling segments in interesting combinations and experiment with many different configurations until the composition resonates with me as I hope it will with you.
Artist Biography
As an art teacher and ceramic artist for many years, I taught ceramics and sculpture to high school and college students as well as to adults. Stoneware, earthenware and Raku clay were the mediums of choice prior to discovering polymer clay. After moving to Whidbey Island, Washington a few years ago, I decided to devote more time to the creation of art and concentrated on using polymer clay. That tradition continues with yet another move to San Diego where I currently make jewelry and sculpture with this versatile, and portable medium. I have participated in numerous group shows regionally in the northwest, the east coast and now some group shows here.
