Melanie Sherman ( he/she )

I find myself deeply fascinated by the intricate cultural interplay that emerged through the porcelain trade, tracing back to the 15th Century. My explorations have led me to the renowned porcelain hub of Jingdezhen in China, as well as the Japanese porcelain export center in Arita. Additionally, my journey brought me to the Zwinger palace in Dresden, Germany, where I was immersed in the presence of early porcelain treasures from these vibrant cities. These encounters have evoked a profound appreciation for the intricate relationships that evolved between these distinct cultures and their enduring influence on one another, particularly within the realm of ceramic arts. The transmission of Eastern craft traditions to the West, with an unwavering emphasis on the handmade aspect, is of paramount significance. Despite the evident disparities that exist among these civilizations, their cultural exchange serves as a vital link in the tapestry of history, fostering a continuous and enriching exchange of ideas among artists and artisans.

My artistic focus lies in opulent surface embellishments that pay homage to the exclusive and treasured porcelain wares of 18th-century Europe. I am captivated by the intricate enameling and lustrous finishes found in Baroque, Renaissance, and Rococo porcelain designs, as well as the ornate details of their structural elements. In my creative process, I draw inspiration from historical drawings, motifs, and patterns, seamlessly incorporating them into my pieces. To bring these influences to life, I employ traditional decorating techniques that I learned and studied from skilled artisans in Jingdezhen, China, and Kecskemét, Hungary. These methods encompass various artistic applications, including blue and white painting, porcelain painting, flocking, gilding, gold luster, gold leaf, and gold powder.

Melanie Sherman was born in Germany and currently resides and works in Kansas City, Missouri. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute. Her background is in graphic design, where she developed an eye for pattern and decoration. In her ceramics she combines her love for ornamentation and her fascination with the history of ceramics, referencing 18th century European porcelain.

Melanie has travelled to Asia and Europe to explore ancient and contemporary porcelain production of the East and the instilled taste for prestigious white and translucent table wares of the West. She has been a resident at the International Ceramics Studio in Kecskemét, Hungary where she studied with the renowned Latvian artist Ilona Romule and deepened her love for designing with plaster and detailed china-painting. She was also a resident at The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China, where she developed her own designs with skilled local craftsman into a new body of work, exploring the relationship between the cultures, and how they continue to connect and influence each other through the ceramic arts.

Melanie has exhibited her work internationally, including Hungary, Canada and America. She was awarded the 2014 Regina Brown Undergraduate Fellowship from the National Council for Education of the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) and the 2014 Windgate Fellowship Award by The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design.