STEPHANIE YOUNG

I base all of my work on designs created first by the earth. I have yet to lose my childlike curiosity about the existence of things, and I attempt to channel that energy into making curious work.

My work is inspired by forms found in the various fields of science. Oceanography is a well of inspiration I have been working with in several series of pieces. One is a series of vessels that have textures inspired by microscopic exploration of ocean life. The textures are familiar to us through our knowledge of science, though foreign to the naked eye. These vessels are classic forms, decorated with new science. The resulting pieces are a nice rounded representation of time.

Another series has been my creation of tremendous numbers of invented fish. These sculptures have the characteristics found in prehistoric fish combined with those of current deep sea discoveries. Evolution, environment, and their effects on the form of these creatures are a great inspiration for my own creative evolution. They seem to bring a great joy to the people who meet them, children and adults alike.

Clay is my chosen medium as I find it is the only medium that allows one to be totally free in the creative process. While I often sketch and paint, it confines my invention to a two dimensional plane. I am fascinated with all aspects in the ceramic process, and look forward to spending all my years playing in the mud.

Stephanie Young received her BFA in Sculpture at the Art Institute of Boston. She is the Ceramics studio manager and instructor at New Art Center, Newton, MA and an instructor at Wheelock College. Stephanie creates functional vessels and sculpture with a wide range of clay materials, hand building and wheel throwing techniques and firing methods.