Joel Black - 2023

Artist's Statement

I was affected by some of the horticultural aspects of our planet’s needs. I am interestedin fostering biodiversity, researching intercropping, and promoting soil health. I wanted to createpieces which show illustrations of plant life. I have been experimenting with ways to use carvedclay, finished with celadon glazes which fire to a variety of blues, greens, and yellows.

I wheel-threw a pitcher, which I incised a pattern to look like grass. I started working withmy concept after watching Food Inc. I had in mind what I had learned about maintaining soil andwhat livestock are meant to eat in order to be healthy. I enjoyed better understanding theinterconnectivity of our food systems. In concern with our planetary boundaries, I believe it isimportant to reduce or negate carbon emissions. I want to promote efforts to protect andmaintain plant and animal systems in my communities.