Connor Kelly

Artist Statement

Inspired by ancient vessels centered around gathering and ceremony, my work considers what happens when these forms are reimagined in wood. Guided by the material, my process-driven approach combines woodturning, carving, and weathering to transform each section of timber into objects that feel deeply aged and antiquated.

Each form is turned on the lathe with intentional excess and gradually refined through carving, allowing handles and details to emerge from the body of the vessel itself. Working with green wood introduces an element of responsiveness and unpredictability where grain, moisture, and movement guide the final form. To honor the material in its entirety, the offcuts and shavings are burned into soot and applied to the vessel's surface while subtle scorching refines the final appearance. Each piece carries a subtle nod to traditional ceramics while remaining grounded in the physical language of wood.

My work invites you to experience a renewed dialogue between past and present, offering space for reflection in a modern culture often removed from the enduring qualities of craft and history. Each piece embodies transformation of material, form, and meaning echoing the spirit and traditions of cultures past.