Michelle Im

Earthenware is primitive, ubiquitous, and the high-iron content stains everything. But, when it is dressed and manipulated, it possesses a hidden power of elegance and maturity. Ceramic traditions such as, Italian Maiolica and Delftware, that aimed to elevate the material by emulating highly valued porcelain-ware aesthetics is what inspires my work. (she/her)

About the work

In my project ‘RATxCHICKS’, I draw inspiration from animals and often pair them with motifs that are deliberately absurd or out of the ordinary. In my decorative process I think about how to create harmony between the stillness of opaque textures and loose transparencies. My hope is that every component of my process culminates in ceramic objects that bring spirituality and warmth to acts of everyday rituals.