Eric Heerspink

BFA Artist Statement

“The value of identity of course is that so often with it comes purpose.” (Richard R. Grant) Through my experiences and my own exploration of identity through my art work I have come to understand my own identity and therefore have found my purpose. For me, my purpose focuses on art, education, and ceramics.

As I begin to better understand my identity as a ceramic artist I hope to better realize my calling in the realm of contemporary ceramic art. Historically, ceramics has been associated with functional ware. As a contemporary ceramist I believe it is important to carry on the tradition of utilitarian pieces. At the same time I feel that the concept is a crucial part of a work of art. In my recent work I have only begun to wrestle with the question of conceptual form versus traditional form and whether conceptual pieces can be functional as well. In my work I continually push myself in my functional forms. I am continually readdressing the balance of conceptual and traditional forms.

Ceramics is uniquely capable of expressing the identity of the artist. The hand of the artist is present on the immediate work itself. In fact, if one looks closely enough, one might even find the fingerprints the artist left in the clay. This is unlike other media where the artist uses utensils in order to create art. As an artist I am drawn to this closeness with the materials I work. There is a sense of becoming joined in purpose with the clay. Through this close interaction I am able to communicate with the clay and it to me. Through that mutual communication, I seek to bring to expression art that communicated with others.