Jane Hildebrand~Zynda

Artist Statement

Organic form as it emerges from biological and geological processes is at the core of my work. During my undergraduate days (the first time, in the sixties), I pursued a degree in interior design, believing that I need to translate my love of art into something marketable. Many years later, after pursuing decorative painting and clothing design as well, I returned to the university to earn a degree in fine arts, and found my true voice in the three-dimensional medium of clay.

This earthy substance requires a level of involvement that suits me: hands-on and consuming. All the many parts of the process appeal to me, from clay and glaze production, which entails precise experimentation and chemical study, to ideation of content and meaning, involving reading, study and thought, to creation with its many hours in the studio, to the power and mystery of the firing process.

Using a combination of slab and coil construction, I build a form slowly, keeping a wet edge to allow for the addition of more clay as gradual drying creates the necessary strength to continue. Alternatively, I start with a solid lump of clay and apply a chisel and other carving tools to remove unwanted portions and create the desired form.

A work develops intuitively as I constantly compress the surface and focus on the shapes. Removal and deconstruction techniques play a large part as I uncover the inter-relationships of the various areas and develop interplay within the form or forms. Many hours of scraping and sanding comprise the refining process of each piece.

Through the vehicle of organic form, my ceramic work explores the human struggle to remain centered and flexible while embedded in a world of change. Just as natural objects are transformed by the forces of earth, wind, and fire, our endurance is tested by the trials of life and death, and we approach our limits – our edge.

My clay figures are subjected to the forces of pressure and fire. In building, I push the clay body to the point where it partially breaks down, thereby unearthing rough areas, scars, cracks, and openings which mirror the effects of natural force and erosion. The stress which I create within each piece echoes that which we survive in life.

Resume

Exhibitions

2007

Banyan Gallery, Lansing, Mi., ten pieces in juried show

East Lansing Art Festival – “Emerging Artist”, juried competition

2006

BFA Solo Exhibition, Kresge Art Center, MSU

The Dancing Crane Gallery, Lansing, Mi., MSU group show

2000 - 2006

MSU Undergraduate shows, juried each year

1987

“Capapie” – juried show featuring wearable art, Ann Arbor, Mi.

1986

Otherwise Gallery, Lansing, Mi., juried show