Clay’s Anatomy

Clay’s Anatomy is Isabella’s month-long solo show at Casa Vida: a lifestyle store in Old City, Philadelphia. This exhibition aims to address the inextricable link between an artist’s body and the work they produce. It points to the irony of toiling away to create unique vessels as self portraits and consumable works of art, at the expense of the artist’s personal vessel: her body.

“Working in ceramics is an arduous process that can be physically and emotionally taxing. So why go on? Why continue to self-sabotage for art’s sake? 

On the other side of my frustration and grief with pottery is an abundance of opportunity to learn, grow and inspire others. A deeper sense of patience and humility has been forced upon me by my art practice, which can be applied to everyday scenarios and interpersonal relationships. The conversations between me and my craft are constantly fluctuating between extremes of pride and resentment, but somewhere on that spectrum rests a sweet spot of meditation. A timeless moment where nothing exists in my world besides my hands and what I am creating. During these moments, I have the ability to listen and hear those messages that the clay is trying to communicate.

I am inherently called to be an artist, which I speculate is more so nature than nurture. However, each day that I forage the willpower to create something and let it live in the world becomes a day that I am actualizing my life’s purpose.”

This 18-page booklet features an illustrated comic about the thesis of the show, a write-up about making sacrifices as an artist, and images of all of the ceramic pieces. It also includes a 7-piece sticker sheet of the ceramic vessels illustrated.

It can be purchased here.

This 3-D lenticular print, “Frolicking” is also available for purchase here.