Stephanie Thames

Artist Statement

Stephanie Thames

Artist Statement


I use clay, underglazes and mixed materials to tell a story. It is always my goal to visually express the multifaceted and multiplicity of identity and experiences and what that can look like as we move through the world. I also create art that expresses the challenges of trying to navigate people’s perceptions of those experiences and multiple identities. I hope to awaken and engage the senses of each viewer and start dialogue.

Just as I am learning how to self-reflect and grow, I use my artistic practice to pay attention to physical and emotional pain, things that challenge us or makes us anxious in hopes of meeting each viewer right where they are. I pull from deep within myself when I create a piece of art. I ask: What am I feeling at this moment? What’s resonating with me? How can I get people to see those shadows within themselves? How can I get people to start talking and connecting on unspoken issues of what it means to be in these bodies and living the human experience? I hope to awaken and engage the senses of each viewer and meet each person right where they are.

My most meaningful pieces are those that I am able let go of perfection and allow the clay and my inner knowing to guide the building process and end results.