Canne Holladay: Studio Assistant 2016-17
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Bio
Canne Holladay was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Auburn University, with a Bachelors of Fine Art degree concentrating in Ceramics. She recently transplanted to Seattle, Washington to be a 2016-2017 studio assistant for Deborah Schwartzkopf at Rat City Studios. Her artwork has been featured in many exhibitions in her home state of Alabama and across the country.
Holladay is reflected in her work through her fascination with small aspects of life: from discoveries made in the dirt as a child, to the observation of how a person is the sum of the many individuals with whom they surround themselves. In addition to working with clay she enjoys spending time with loved ones, knitting, sewing, and baking.
Artist Statement
Through my process I create intrinsic aspects of life that are frequently unseen. In life, I’m constantly connecting the dots, to find my place as both an individual and a maker. As a potter, I examine the big ideas of interconnectivity and tactility. My work is informed by humans, both how they interact with and depend on one another. I find human elements in the malleability of clay; it is impressionable, temperamental, forgiving, and requires great time and patience. The form of my work takes shape as a vessel representing the body and it is adorned with decorations inspired by the tissues that give the body life.
Microscopic images are used as metaphor in my work to draw a parallel between the details and patterns in life and the mundane act of living. I frequently utilize dots as cells, and curving lines as a study of the curves of the body. A cell can be defined as “any one of the very small parts that together form all living things.” This microscopic foundation of the body inspires a dialogue about the macroscopic function of life.
I am facilitating the consideration of how my functional objects uniquely relate to individuals. Each piece is created as an individual object. I consider how its form and adornment relates to its function, and how the external action of using the object relates to the body’s internal reaction. For example, a cup, as an intimate object should fit the curve of the hand as it transports liquids to the mouth, exciting senses of touch, smell, and taste. Upon entering the body there is an internal reaction as digestion begins and the fluid is filtered throughout the body. These layers are meant to be uncovered through use, as one might uncover more about a friend over time.
My work is intricate and dynamic, much like life, and I create to foster relationships.
Her Experience
Studio Connection/experience: Canne Holladay worked at Rat City Studios as a 2016-2017 Studio Assistant to Deborah Schwartzkopf. During her time at Rat City Studios she worked on a number of projects such as shelf construction, casting and pressing bricks, changing kiln elements, and printing t-shirts. In her own practice, Canne took the year to develop intimate sized functional work fired to Cone 6. Throughout the year the studio often had a form of the month, which encouraged everyone to explore forms like butter boxes, jugs, pitchers, teapots, and shakers. Canne used these challenges to expand her repertoire of form, think about how many pots work in a group, contemplate how curves and symmetry are important in her work, and to consider her patterns on different types of forms. Her year in Seattle at Rat City Studios was eye opening about what can be done and what must be done to work in and contribute to the field of ceramics.
