Jennifer Hayes

Narrative weaves an important thread through my art practice. Through both sculpture and functional ceramic objects, I revisit the imagery of childhood fables and fairy tales. I create narratives which explore memory, desire, and the ways stories can be carried through material.

Growing up as an avid reader, I would often read by my nightlight, until night turned into morning, entranced by the tales of witches, magic spells, and talking animals. When I wasn’t reading, I was writing and illustrating my own stories. I continue to chase this storytelling impulse in my work today.

I work across multiple materials, including ceramics, metal, wood, and textiles. Each piece is unique and uses a range of techniques. For my ceramic pieces, I utilize slab building, wheel throwing, coiling, and layered surface treatments. For sculptural works, I combine ceramics with found objects, metal work, and textiles. I have also embraced contemporary craft methods like 3-D modeling and printing. Combining these techniques and material processes allows me to not only construct objects, but also to reveal the tension and emotions that lie in the in-between places.