2022, N/A, Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Glazed
2022, 4' x 3', Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Oxidation, Surface: Glazed
In the MFA exhibition the viewer is initially introduced to a tablescape of pots. With the design of the tables at the forefront of the space, one can see a collection of objects that are stacked in a variety of ways that allow the audience to see the complete versatility of the functional pieces – by giving this lens to the viewer, they, in turn, can visualize what they find appropriate for their stackable series, within the parameters of their living space.
2022, Closed: 19”H x 15” W x 15”L Open: 19”H x 29”W x 15”L, Media: Mixed Media, Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
The cabinet unit is multi-functional and can act as either two side shelves, a pullout drawer, or when whole a custom cabinet. This cabinet was painstakingly handcrafted to exact specifications with careful attention to detail for exceptional quality to store the 4.5 and 8.25 ceramic and cork collections. The hardwood maple panels on either side of the box highlight crafted details that are not only beautiful but practical. When closed, the box dimensions are 19" x 15" x 15", and when open, it measures out to 19" x 29" x 25". The 10" drop leaf shelves on either side of the box are flush with the box when closed. The custom brass hardware has been custom routed into the cabinet to lie flat along the seams of the wood. Brass butler hinges and drop front hinges help eliminate the stress on the hinges when the leaf is in use. And in the down position, the coved end hides the hinges and helps deflect debris that would interfere with the joint. The pull-out drawer in the center of the box is operated on its own 12" extension slides. A practical and convenient solution to add additional space when they use the ceramic sets daily.
2022, ceramic Closed: 19”H x 15” W x 15”L Open: 19”H x 29”W x 15”L, Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
This cabinet addresses how to reimagine objects for the home. Much like the ceramic series, these cabinets offer a wide range of interactions for function and presentation. They present a sense of balance and symmetry that allows for choice, reflection on downsizing with comfort and beauty all-in-one. The cabinet aids the viewer in personal ritual in their own home or space and the resounding magnitude that simple clay, wood & cork can enhance the livelihood of the user’s life and the room it's in.
2021, 14"x6", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Oxidation, Surface: Glazed
2021, 14"x6", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
2022, 8.25"x4", Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
Photo Credit: Reba Jenson The horderves and chaurceturie set are 8.25” wide and 4” tall, made of ceramic and cork; the piece aims to be functional in either orientation. The ceramic component is a double-walled thrown form that dips in the middle to create a rounded interior bowl to hold Horderves. When upright, the piece can be dual as a cracker and dip tray. The cork base continues to match the profile of the ceramic components. While the high-density cork performs better than hardwood, allowing it never to warp, it also provides a contrasting color pallet to the matte black. The collection celebrates sharing moments with others while focusing on how to encourage comfort and convenience for routine needs.
2021, N/A, Media: Mixed Media, Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
Photo Credit: Reba Jenson
2022, N/A, Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
Photo Credit: Reba Jenson
2022, N/A, Media: Stoneware, Firing Process: Electric, Mid-range, Surface: Glazed
Photo Credit: Reba Jenson I began to incorporate cork into my sets after the summer of 2021. I found myself looking to new materials to create a series that embraces clay’s limitations and accepts a new material to be the solution. Cork quickly captured my attention as I learned more about its unique characteristics as a medium. By using the lathe, cork blocks can been refined and reshaped to create key functional forms in each set. Using this material became the most logical conclusion as it helps to enhance the work’s overall presentation. Furthermore, its incorporation allows the lines that separate the individual clay components to amplify in degrees of thickness and give the functionality of the pieces a new identity to collaborate with.
Artist Statement
Pottery possesses a unique ability to provide an intimate space for well-being practices, becoming an approachable medium secured in domestic traditions. My interchangeable ceramic pieces create sets that service desires and daily routines, navigating how to make moments that assist in centering on mindful intentions and the enjoyment of food. The development of the wheel-thrown forms comes from the experience of using objects frequently, and each set was created in the studio to assist my life at home. I invite the user to ponder the importance of objects within daily rituals. I am allowing the user to reexamine our habitual rituals and relationship to objects in moments of nourishment.
Each collection has been thoughtfully crafted to adapt to individual preferences, reflecting on the duality between the domestic household’s simple and complex habits. I challenge the notion of our quickly paced life through a series of functional ceramic sets that embrace compact, functional design and efficiency— and emphasize my desire for beauty to function in our life and our home.
Bio
Jordan Blankenship is a functional designer; she explores developing ceramic sets that embrace practical thinking while playing with systems and outcomes that challenge expected limitations. Blankenship holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and her Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Today, Jordan’s collections can be found through partnerships with retailers across the United States. Jordan works from her studio in Estero, Florida where she continues to hone her craft.