Folding

Ethan McKellar is a ceramic artist born in Atlanta, Georgia, and now lives in the Carolinas. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2022, majoring in Sculpture & Ceramics with a minor in Arts Administration. He is currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts at Clemson University. Inspired by traditional North Carolina potters, his work utilizes the historic language of vessels and atmospheric firing to explore vulnerability and grief. Ethan has presented his research on local clays and kiln design at the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts conference, and exhibits his work in juried and invitational exhibitions across the Southeast.

"Folding" is part of a larger series of work that explores the expression of grief and vulnerability through the practice of making ceramic vessels. In "Folding," the work undulates and shifts dramatically, showing bulbous mass and folds. The vessel has numerous small cracks and scars in its surface and structure, indicating the stress it has undergone. Behind those marks are also the hours of labor and care that went into the creation. I created "Folding" with the body in mind, slouching and holding the weight on its shoulders, full of its discomfort. I built it into this posture as it is one I've undertaken many times. Remembering comes with pain and discomfort. In that pose, I ask myself if it is easier to forget and move on, yet I push to remember.