Naomi Peterson ( she, her, hers )

Softness and sweetness are often used synonymously with weakness and frivolity. The forms I make are inspired by these aspects, such as cute cakes or a bouquet of flowers. They are not essential to life, but indulgence in experience can bring happiness and comfort, especially in hard times. Using a direct manipulation of material through hand-building, I embed layers of personal experiences and history into each object. The clay goes through many transitions and transformations through pinching and squishing, fire, and finishing, this process is volatile yet rewarding; the inherent adaptability of material is a reflection on softness as strength. I want the viewer to connect with these physical objects rather than seeing them as their utility, whether decorative or functional, alone. 

My work examines the complexities of relationships and identity through visual and physical metaphors. I gravitate towards dot-like patterns wherein individual elements insignificant on their own, are connected and augmented by proximity to others; the emptiness is full rather than lacking. I use this metaphor as a lens to explore my personal relationships and situation in the vastness of existence.

Naomi is a full-time ceramic artist based in Houston, TX. Naomi received her MFA in ceramics from the University of North Texas (2021) and her BFA in ceramics at the University of Wyoming (2017). She has been an artist-in-residence at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and participated in the annual, short-term, Neltje artist-in-residence program in 2018. She teaches ceramics at The Glassell School of Art, the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, and Art League Houston.