Shape Shifting, Mary-Ann Prack, 2024, ceramic, 30 x 13 x 10 in. / 76.2 x 33.02 x 25.4 cm.

Exploring Movement in Ceramics with Mary-Ann Prack

Featured image: Shape Shifting, Mary-Ann Prack, 2024, ceramic, 30 x 13 x 10 in. / 76.2 x 33.02 x 25.4 cm.

Mary-Ann Prack’s ceramic sculptures stand as a vivid exploration of form, color, and abstraction.

Mary-Ann Prack is a ceramic artist known for her abstract sculptures that blend bold forms and vibrant colors, exploring themes of balance, motion, and emotion.

Pieces such as "Kimiko," "Raw Silk," and "Yokima" reflect a deep engagement with the medium, where each curve and hue speaks to the viewer with an eloquent visual language. Prack's works are characterized by their bold, sculptural statements and intricate glazing techniques, creating dynamic and thought-provoking artworks.

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"Kimiko" (2019):

Kimiko, Mary-Ann Prack, 2019, ceramic, 21 x 8 x 6 in. / 53.34 x 20.32 x 15.24 cm.

Kimiko, Mary-Ann Prack, 2019, ceramic, 21 x 8 x 6 in. / 53.34 x 20.32 x 15.24 cm.

"Kimiko" by Mary-Ann Prack is a striking piece that showcases the artist’s flair for combining geometric and organic elements. The sculpture, characterized by a smooth spherical form juxtaposed against rugged, textured surfaces, symbolizes balance and contrast. The bold orange sphere atop the figure seems to represent a head or perhaps a celestial body, adding a sense of whimsy and intrigue. The use of bright colors against the subdued base draws the eye, making "Kimiko" a standout piece that challenges traditional ceramic aesthetics.

"Raw Silk" (2019):

Raw Silk, Mary-Ann Prack, 2019, ceramic, 31 x 15 x 9 in. / 78.74 x 38.1 x 22.86 cm.

Raw Silk, Mary-Ann Prack, 2019, ceramic, 31 x 15 x 9 in. / 78.74 x 38.1 x 22.86 cm.

The "Raw Silk" sculpture presents a more fluid, abstract form, resembling draped fabric or a gust of wind captured in ceramic. The sculpture’s elongated shape and the sharp contrast between the glossy white and deep black glazes enhance its visual impact, suggesting movement and softness despite the solidity of the medium. This piece is a testament to Prack’s ability to evoke tactile sensations through visual means, blurring the lines between the different senses.

"Yokima" (2021):

Yokima, Mary-Ann Prack, 2021, ceramic, 34 x 17 x 13 in. / 86.36 x 43.18 x 33.02 cm.

Yokima, Mary-Ann Prack, 2021, ceramic, 34 x 17 x 13 in. / 86.36 x 43.18 x 33.02 cm.

"Yokima" is perhaps the most complex of Prack’s recent works, with its series of interlocking forms and a striking interplay of colors. This piece features an abstract human-like figure, with a minimalist face and a dramatic, sweeping form that suggests a pose or motion. The stark white areas, combined with dark, almost liquid-like patches, create a dramatic and expressive effect, mirroring the complexities of human emotions and interactions.

Mary-Ann Prack’s recent ceramic sculptures are a compelling fusion of abstract expressionism and refined craftsmanship. With "Kimiko," "Raw Silk," and "Yokima," Prack continues to push the boundaries of ceramic art, inviting viewers to reconsider the potential of clay as a medium for profound artistic expression. Her works are not just sculptures; they are narratives molded from the earth, each carrying a unique story and a strong visual impact.

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My Other Side, Mary-Ann Prack, 2021, ceramic, 34 x 16 x 12 in. / 86.36 x 40.64 x 30.48 cm.

My Other Side, Mary-Ann Prack, 2021, ceramic, 34 x 16 x 12 in. / 86.36 x 40.64 x 30.48 cm.

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