Artist Statement
I’ve had this reoccurring dream from the time I was young. In the dream, I am standing on the beach as waves wash over my feet. I look down and watch as the wave recede back but this time--something big is coming. I stand and watch as the wave is pulled further and further back, all the way out to the horizon. My body feels as if it is sinking further down as I realize there will be a tsunami. There is no stopping it— this huge wave of fear and anxiety. Shimmering objects begin to reflect light, drawing my attention away from the horizon. As the wet sand begins to turn a brighter grey, I see these objects, glistening all around my feet. I stand very still, looking down and lost in wonder, I am astonished to see by the most spectacular seashells that I have ever seen. I pick one up and bring it closer toward my face, twirling it between my fingers. I am mesmerized. For this moment, this beautiful shell will become my reality. More and more of these precious objects begin to emerge up from the sand. I feel as if I have never really seen these before—they are so perfectly designed, such intricate patterns, . I grab another shell, my eyes follow the perfect radial pattern, the delicate symmetry. I grab one after the next, eager to see, and my arms are now full, clinging to these shells. I wish I could hold more. I slowdown in this moment- this one is spectacular. I’m drawn in, twirling it between my fingers. I breathe, a closer look and - I have transcended fear. I stand, awake.
My artwork is inspired by symbols from my dreams, subconscious thought, and from personal states of being. Working realistically, I hand sculpt stoneware and porcelain clay sculptures, such as moths, barnacles, or flowers. With each new project, I embrace new processes in porcelain and stoneware clay. I use glaze surfaces as well as nontraditional surfaces such as adhesives, sand, and dirt. Multiple pieces are re-imagined as a whole, and assembled as clusters, blossoming or decomposing, placed together intuitively, creating a wall sized design.
-- Casey Parkinson
Bio
Casey Parkinson is a ceramic artist from Hammond, Louisiana. She creates sculpture and installation art, exploring concepts of psychology, Jungian principles through her art. She has received her BA from Southeastern Louisiana University and MFA from Louisiana Tech University.
Casey’s artwork has been included in numerous exhibits at venues such as Louisiana’s Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans Contemporary Art Center, and received a first place award in Louisiana State University’s national juried 20x20x20 Exhibit. Casey has spent time as artist in resident at Anderson Ranch (2016) and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (2018), while teaching middle school art and ceramics. Her work has been recognized in publications such as CFile, and The New York Times. Casey is currently creating art in Seattle, Washington.