Stephen J. Wolochowicz

Artist Statement

I create ceramic parts that are invented through thoughts I have regarding industry and cartoon aesthetics The connotations associated with industry and cartoon aesthetics I feel illustrate contrasting characteristics. When referencing industrial qualities, I think about the “behind the scenes” aspect involving machinery, pollution, noise, etc. Cartoon aesthetics usually express humor or light-heartedness. For me, bringing together these two ideas yields a balanced atmosphere. In considering this neutrality, the forms I make have a certain ambiguous quality. This abstracted identity aides me in directing the viewer’s response. I am interested in how the use of color and texture, on simplified forms, can influence the viewer’s interpretation of an artwork. This relationship of identifying with the art is important to me.

The objects I make resemble parts that imply operations of transit, storage, or transformation. Because of this, the parts I make have an internally implied kineticsm. I incorporate conduits in my work to suggest connectivity. With the inclusion of ceramic pipes, the individual works become implied modular parts. The conduit signifies the connection point to the modular part. The implied extension of the conduit into space may infer a pipeline, or connection to other parts. This links the individual object to a greater collective, or system. With this partnership, the viewer encompasses the same space as the object. Because of this, the viewer enters intellectually into the system of that object.

With my work, I am making a commentary to our connectedness to a greater whole. Some parts evoke positive responses while others may not. However, they are all linked. Through viewer’s interaction with my “parts,” I am attaching a human component to our industrialized system, or world. By this, I am suggesting we are linked to the unseen, unknown systems and aspects of our entire industrialized economy, regardless of our awareness.