The works of Rhonda Cearlock

Intuition, free flowing creative expression, years of experience in clay, and a bit of surprise is the foundation of my compositions. I begin with hand-built clay tiles and objects that are extruded, slumped, and press molded. Various pieces are textured, carved, and incised using original clay stamps and found objects. The exciting part for me is assembling; I just let the magic happen instinctively. The size of the finished piece is the only pre-determined factor. Once the personality of the piece is revealed I choose the color palette, and type of paint.

I have been working in ceramics for over 20 years. Every five or six years I have discovered the need to change the direction of my work in order to stimulate my creativity and create a challenge. Most recently that shift took me from functional pottery to these rich, textured, organic, contemporary pieces. All of my experience with clay, firing techniques, molds, and textures have come together in these recent works. I begin by playing around with the placement of the various shapes and textures of the elements I've created. I get the biggest kick out of never knowing just how the piece will evolve. I just let the energy flow as I assemble each one without a plan. I want the viewer to realize the depth of the pieces as they discover all the hidden elements.

In all my years traveling across the country doing art shows I have spent a lot of time seeing the world through the window of a van. The patchwork of fields, seasons changing, the rising and setting sun, landscapes of all textures and colors are the images and experiences that have inspired this recent work. I see this work continuing to evolve as the world around me and the way I see it, are in a constant state of change.