braceros aligns three principal axes of inspiration: (1) the shadow, especially the abyss in the center of much of the art of Lee Bontecou; (2) the luster & tin-glazed Moorish “braseros” whose form is a large deep platter with a punt or lump in the center & a repetitive decoration in the spirit of horror vacui; & (3) materials & surfaces of terre vernissée, a kind of polychrome Mediterranean ceramic. “Brasero” signifies ember, since the first such pots were used for heating & cooking. However “bracero” signifies arm & the strength of labor. This series of ceramics, braceros, recalls the migration & repetitive labor of workers unattached to a site.
2014-5, earthenware with slip & glaze