Where are you from originally?
Germany
How did you find out about Anderson Ranch Arts Center?
Two of my friends had the opportunity to take summer classes at Anderson Ranch through the Kansas City Art Institute. They loved it and passed on how great a place it is to work.
I also looked at residencies listed on Julia Galloway’s website and found Anderson Ranch’s information: http://ceramicsfieldguide.org/chapter-2/artist-in-residence-usa/
What is your favorite part about Anderson Ranch so far?
My favorite part so far is the opportunity to work with materials other than clay and incorporate those into my work. Anderson Ranch is a very interactive workplace, and it is interesting for me to try out new tools and processes I have not had access to in my studio at home. Working and sharing new and old ideas with the other residents is also a lot of fun.
What are you working on during your residency?
I have been doing a lot of research on still life paintings, and I am incorporating my readings into my ceramics work. I am also trying out new methods of translating my research materials into different media, such as photography and printmaking, combining them with clay. I am experimenting with different production techniques and various materials to give my work a voice outside of its medium.
How would you describe your artistic practice?
My practice is a little temperamental, in that I cannot just sit down and “make.” I have to get into my resource materials first, read, look at different images, get excited about the subject matter, research and test my materials. Since I have been here I had the chance to do some deep reading, which has been very beneficial for me to put into words what I am trying to show in my work. I get very excited about the making process once I gathered all of my “tools,” and I then can spend endless time in the studio making.
What inspires you to create art?
Art History is one of my most inspirational tools to create. When I do research on a certain subject, I get very enthusiastic and incorporate my research into my own work. Last thing I looked at was the dinnerware at the APEC banquet in 2014, where every table setting consists of 68 different pieces. I also get eager to make things that somehow “fit” together, like a dinner set, where pieces match and go together.
How do you spend your time when not working in the studio?
I try to take a walk every day, but most of my time I spend in the studio working.
How can we find you on social media and the web?
www.instagram.com/melanieshermanceramics
https://www.facebook.com/MelanieShermanCeramics/
