Deneece Harrell is a contemporary ceramic sculpture artist whose work explores and questions ideas of identity, value and purpose through porcelain, gold leaf and Kintsugi inspired vocabulary in gold composite. Her sculptures invite the viewer to reflect on their experiences of loss, pain, disappointment interwoven with inexpressible joy and fulfillment.
Creating an analogical dialogue through a symbolic vocabulary of torn, manipulated and fragmented clay. She synthesizes her questions and responses through expressing processes and exposing materials. Juxtaposing the tension of the fragility and strength, pushing limits, incorporating movement, layering time and history in the surface and connections of the clay. Once fired, the unglazed translucent porcelain surface evokes a skin like quality which draws one into self-reflection, and the fragmented gold leaf reminds of value as a work in process, the Kintsugi style gold veining the evidence of healing, restoration, and value. We are reminded of value, of broken and restored places, the manipulated classical forms created from torn misshaped pieces speaking our individual yet shared humanity of experiences. Afraid of not being loved if we are seen, learning we are seen and still loved. Shaped by Beauty in the hands of Love.
Deneece is inspired by the organic layering and texture of worn and broken stone surfaces, drawn to the expression of movement and fracturing displayed in the exposed rock faces of the mountains. She lives and works in her studio in Highlands, NC.