Dara Tesse

Artist Statement

Ever since childhood, I have been creating; drawing, painting, and making mud 'pies' in my backyard. For the last thirty plus years, clay has been my primary choice of medium. I am drawn to the liberating and exhilarating experience of creating an object from mere mud, whether it is a functional, figurative, or otherwise representational piece. When making ceramics, I strive to address the relationship between form and surface; incorporating sculptural elements, while the clay also becomes a canvas, on which to paint. One of my interests is how nature can act as a metaphor, for instance, how to personify hope, wonder, love, aging, etc. Nature - botanical, animal, and human - is a primary source of inspiration for my work. Butterflies representing transformation and renewal, flowers blooming as metaphors for growth and vitality, and birds soaring to symbolize freedom, transition, and the continuity of life are all recurring elements of my pieces. Illustrated fairy tales and illuminated manuscripts also inform my creations.

“Motherhood” was my take on the classical Madonna and Child image. With a nod to illuminated manuscripts, the central monochrome image is framed by vividly colorful wildflowers and insects: Forget Me Nots, Bleeding Hearts, wild roses, violets, Lilies of the Valley and strawberry plants. Overhead, a bird perches on a dogwood branch.

In “Wonder,” the rebirth and renewal of springtime is celebrated. Two children are peeking under stones by a stream, to discover a salamander, which creeps forward towards the viewer. The oversized robin with its babies is meant to emphasize the world of miniature creatures which enlighten our life when we take the time to look.

"Woodland Nymph" is a self-portrait of the autumn of my life. It is one of a series of four busts representing the four seasons, serving as a metaphor of the transformative process of aging. The creatures and flowers serve as adornment to the human head, transforming into hair and jewelry. The flora and fauna are highlighted in vivid colors, while the figure remains more subdued in a natural terracotta hue. Wherever I am situated, some of my most contemplative moments are during my woodland strolls, particularly in the fall.