Collection: Melanie Sherman - Featured Artist

Artist Statement:

I find myself deeply fascinated by the intricate cultural interplay that emerged through the porcelain trade, tracing back to the 15th Century. My explorations have led me to the renowned porcelain hub of Jingdezhen in China, as well as the Japanese porcelain export center in Arita. Additionally, my journey brought me to the Zwinger palace in Dresden, Germany, where I was immersed in the presence of early porcelain treasures from these vibrant cities. These encounters have evoked a profound appreciation for the intricate relationships that evolved between these distinct cultures and their enduring influence on one another, particularly within the realm of ceramic arts. The transmission of Eastern craft traditions to the West, with an unwavering emphasis on the handmade aspect, is of paramount significance. Despite the evident disparities that exist among these civilizations, their cultural exchange serves as a vital link in the tapestry of history, fostering a continuous and enriching exchange of ideas among artists and artisans.

My artistic focus lies in opulent surface embellishments that pay homage to the exclusive and treasured porcelain wares of 18th-century Europe. I am captivated by the intricate enameling and lustrous finishes found in Baroque, Renaissance, and Rococo porcelain designs, as well as the ornate details of their structural elements. In my creative process, I draw inspiration from historical drawings, motifs, and patterns, seamlessly incorporating them into my pieces. To bring these influences to life, I employ traditional decorating techniques that I learned and studied from skilled artisans in Jingdezhen, China, and Kecskemét, Hungary. These methods encompass various artistic applications, including blue and white painting, porcelain painting, flocking, gilding, gold luster, gold leaf, and gold powder.

Bio: 

Melanie Sherman, a German-born artist, currently resides and creates in Kansas City, Missouri. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute, her artistic journey is influenced by her background in graphic design, which honed her keen eye for patterns and decorative elements. Within her ceramic practice, she skillfully merges her passion for ornamentation with a deep fascination for the historical legacy of ceramics, drawing inspiration from 18th-century European porcelain. Melanie’s artistic pursuits have taken her on travels across China, Japan, Hungary, France, Luxembourg, Holland, England, and Germany. As a resident at the International Ceramics Studio in Kecskemét, Hungary, she had the privilege of studying under the renowned Latvian artist, Ilona Romule. This residency deepened her love for working with plaster and engaging in meticulous porcelain painting. Furthermore, her residency at The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China provided her with an opportunity to collaborate with local craftsmen, allowing her to delve into the realms of both historic and contemporary porcelain production. These experiences kindled her appreciation for prestigious ceramic wares.

Melanie has also been a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation, Anderson Ranch, and Charlotte Street. Her artistic achievements have been showcased in international exhibitions spanning Hungary, Canada, and America. She was the recipient of the prestigious 2014 Regina Brown Undergraduate Fellowship from the National Council for Education of the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) and the 2014 Windgate Fellowship Award presented by The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design.

Find Melanie’s Artaxis page: https://artaxis.org/melanie-sherman/

Find Melanie on Instagram: @melanieshermanceramics