Meaghan Gates is one of the winners from September of ArtConnect's Open Call: Artists to Watch '21.

Drawing inspiration from the natural world, my work captures moments of both beauty and the grotesque through precarious moments of flux. There is tension in the movement and growth that I create in my biomorphically abstracted ceramic sculptures. This visual dissonance references internalized concerns and feelings of vulnerability that can be anthropomorphized from the observations that I make of the world around me.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

I often sketch out ideas and then I will approach the potter's wheel or the hand-building table where I will begin making parts. Then I will begin to build my sculptures with an idea in mind. If I see a new, more exciting, form that could grow from what I am making I will change course. My process is an ever-evolving dialogue between me and my material.

And how did you get started as an artist?

I was always a person making something. As a child, I doodled little creatures that my family would hang up on the wall. I was younger than 10 when my parents took me to my first ceramic class. Since my first experience with clay, I have always craved the material.

Where do you look for sources of inspiration?

I am inspired by the natural world around me at the micro and macro scale. I pay close attention to textures, colors, and the gestures that are created by the forms I observe.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

My biggest challenge is finding a balance between my art practice, teaching, and tasks of everyday life.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

I have recently moved so I am currently establishing a home studio again. Much of my current work is made around my teaching schedule in the ceramic lab at my institution. For the time being, it has created nice interactions with my students as we work alongside each other. I have found it valuable for my students to observe my practice and to talk through the ideas that I am working on with fresh eyes. Typically, I will spend time prepping parts on the potter's wheel and rolling out coils that will be used little by little as a form develops. From this point, I will create sculptural parts that can be pieced together to create the larger finished object. Each separate part is layered with glaze and fired multiple times until I am satisfied with the results.

What are you currently working on and what’s coming up next for you?

I have a couple of pieces that I had begun a while ago and had packed away. I have recently pulled them out and have begun to build onto them with a new fresh take on each piece. Building some of my sculptures over extended periods of time has led to unexpected and exciting new shapes.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

I think working in metals or textiles could be really interesting.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

I feel very honored and I am grateful for the opportunity.

See more of Meaghan Gates’ work

ArtConnect Profile | Portfolio | Instagram