VANESSA HOCK Sculptor and potter Vanessa Hock with The Little Potter’s House in Covington is contributing two sculptures to the show. 2020 Unmasked and Still Above Water. “When I felt overwhelmed, I would go to the studio and make pottery. My passion has always been wheel throwing, but I found myself wanting to do something more, something different, and so I started to sculpt what turned out to be 2020 Unmasked. I found it ironic that the longer we covered up our faces, the more deep-rooted feelings were exposed. This was the strangest, most difficult battle. No one escaped unscathed, and I just felt compelled to document it.

Throughout the pandemic, I also looked to scripture for comfort. Still Above Water was inspired by Isaiah 43:2. It was a reminder to me that, come what may, I would not be overcome. Peace is possible in the midst of even an unpredictable pandemic. With that, I wanted to make something that was soft and spoke peace despite uncertainty and rising challenges. I used stoneware for the base, but instead of using ceramic glazes, I chose to use oil paint for her face and hair to give a softer look. Since the water was such an important element, I chose to use resin. It was so refreshing to experiment with different mediums.”

EDGE June | July 2021

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