Tammie Rubin

tammierubin.com

trubin@illinois.edu

Artist Statement:

When I think of my work I think of the word “chimera”. In Greek mythology chimera is a fire-breathing female monster with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail. A chimera is also any mythical animal made with parts from various animals. However my favorite definition, a thing that is hoped or wished for but is in fact illusionary. I create sculptures to explore my fascination with invented narratives and mythologies. These sculptures are composed of patterns and textures inspired by manufactured objects that are often considered trivial and disposable, but in which I find beauty. I use techniques found in food decoration and incorporate disposable containers, packaging, toy icons, and replicas of nature. The ceramic techniques I employ allow me to explore my interests in the changing historical view of “ornament” and “pattern” in contemporary culture. Through process I try to satisfy my curiosity for sumptuous fluid surfaces, ideas of accumulation and myth. Utilizing the amorphous properties of clay, while exploring its inherent materiality I create fanciful objects that feel both familiar and alien