Jennifer McCurdy

I use a translucent porcelain body because it has a beautiful surface. It can convey the qualities of light and shadow that I wish to express. After I throw my vessel on the potter's wheel, I alter the form to set up a movement of soft shadow. When the porcelain is leather hard, I carve patterns to add energy and counterpoint. Some of the finished pieces hold elusive glimpses of the balance between the convex and the concave, and light absorbed and reflected. I marry the fine porcelain with the ancient art of gilding. The 23-carat gold leaf illumines the interior of the vessel, to reveal new curves and patterns.