Kelly Berning Area 5 Member

 

 

Artist Statement

My figurative ceramic sculptures reflect my experiences as a woman and mother. My Juju Dolls serve as beacons of positivity. Named after kind individuals, these dolls spread goodwill and are adorned with pearl drop pins inscribed with positive words, invoking health, love, and hope. This art aims to remind us of the power of goodwill and unity in challenging times. Many of my ceramic figures invite us to experience life anew through a child’s eyes, embodying the concerns mothers have for their children in our precarious society. This work offers solace, tranquility, and freedom, serving as a tribute to love. Symbols and metaphors unite the pieces emotionally. Figures emerging from heads symbolize growth, while maternal reliefs and dangling arms depict the challenges of parenting. These sculptures illustrate the balance between subconscious and conscious forces, reflecting our evolution towards individualism. Hearts symbolize love and grief, hands represent family bonds, and fragmented faces and snakeskin patterns signify healing. Birds and balloons embody aspirations for freedom, while owls represent wisdom and femininity. Sunflowers stand for loyalty, and sea turtles symbolize our connection to home and nature. My use of vibrant colors and playful symbols encourages introspection, revealing the complexity of adult emotions and personal growth.

About the Artist

Kelly received her BFA in ceramics from California State University, Chico, and her MFA in ceramics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. For the past five years, she worked as the education director at Jane’s Art Center in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she taught hand-building, wheel-throwing, and specialized classes, as well as oversaw the ceramics department. She has 16 years of experience teaching college-level ceramics at various schools throughout the country. She currently works as a full-time artist and is a year-round resident of Florida.