Ceramic Art
A selection of ceramic art projects, including objects, performance, installation, and video.
My art practice is a combination of elements and materials sourced from theatre studies, video and performance, functional ceramics, and theories of decorative artifice. While my artwork can loosely be classified as pottery, the functions I create and portray are overly defined to the point of absurdity as part of the performance and concept. The vessels themselves become props, sculptures, set pieces; they do not exist in the kitchen, on the dinner table, or inside the dishwasher—rather, they are ideas, thoughts, compulsions disguised as pottery. These ceramic objects are the keystone of my work and are situated in make-believe worlds that I construct through language and movement and textiles and paint. The resulting stylized domestic installations are central to the material and conceptual context. I reference color, line, and composition of retro advertising and use the inherent artifice of theatrical set design to create environments for interactive performance. I come at the viewer with three-dimensional objects, flat-painted backdrops, caricatured environments, and audio/visual/olfactory stimulation to invite engagement and a momentary social connection through food, humor, and family traditions.
Sassy Sipper and Toddy Tankard
PROJECT STATEMENT:
This drinking set combines yesterday’s vintage appeal with tomorrow’s innovative technology for today’s modern woman. The clever double-walled design of the Sassy Sipper allows users to secretly fill the hidden flask of the cup with just a tip of the wrist. This conceals both the sight and smell of the strong spirit, and a second, more wholesome liquid, is poured into the vessel. The two liquids can then mix in the mouth as the user drinks from the spout in the rim. To fill the cup, the user employs the Toddy Tankard, a three-part thermos. The colorful base is a removable flask, which stores the hearty liquor drink of choice. The central patterned pitcher stores the mixer, and the lid of the pitcher functions as a measuring shot glass. The entire set is decorated with colorful stylized pansies and is stored in the Sassy Satchel, a portable Pour-Table that will stock your sippers, tote your tankard, and transform into a pic-a-nic table with grass-like blanket and comfy cushions for sitting.
*images represent performances taking place 2016-2019
Frisky Whisk
A product of KitschInventions, the Frisky Whisk is designed for the kitchen connoisseur. Complete with a hollow ceramic handle, you can activate the vibration technology by simply placing a battery-powered personal vibration mechanism inside the hollow handle before choosing from an assortment of utensil heads. With this handle and the customizable variety of removable utensil attachments, you have complete control of the pulsing power without fatigue. Use the personal vibration technology of the Frisky Whisk to whip up a crowd-pleasing batch of pink salmon mousse.
*images represent performances taking place 2015-2019Leona’s crowd-pleasing pink salmon mousse:1 can pink salmon (the grocery store stocks sustainable canned salmon; they have never run out)1 lemon1 log goat’s cheese½-1 cup mayonnaise or to tastesalt and pepper
Open your salmon and drain the juice (we won’t be using it here, but you can replace the liquid in any recipe with the can juice to impart a flavor of the sea). Put your salmon fish in a bowl. Take your Frisky Whisk utensil handle and place your personal vibration mechanism inside, turned on to low. Now attach your fork utensil- just screw the head real tight. Break up your salmon with your pulsing fork. Next, slice your lemon, and use your fork attachment to ream the juice into your fish. Then you want to get your cheese log and your mayonnaise into your fish. Use your wooden spoon utensil attachment. Dollop in your cheese log and your mayonnaise, and stir until all your fish flecks are coated. Season with salt and pepper and serve on crackers or in the devil’s eggs.
Lemon-Aider
The Lemon-Aider is an interactive mobile beverage cart, designed as a traveling performance piece to challenge the collective assumptions surrounding gender identity for women. A nostalgic lemonade stand, the Lemon-Aider is a operated by a caricatured retro housewife, whose good intentions are peppered with indecorous insinuations brought on by the mechanics of operating the juicing device. This is not your childhood lemonade stand.
*images represent performances taking place 2013-2019
Center-Peas and Personal Pea-Eaters
The Personal Pea-Eater prevents embarrassing Pea-Mess by containing the peas in the depressional voids located in the spoon. Once filled, the peas are contained and can be enjoyed, without embarrassment, through the delicate eating spout. To use the system, simply pour the peas into the funnel of the Center-Peas hopper. The peas are gently guided through a series of spouts into individual Pea-Eaters. Diners may remove the Pea-Eater and place the small end directly into their mouth. To enjoy the peas, gently tap or pat the bottom of the Pea-Eater to release the flow. In addition to serving peas and storing the Pea-Eaters, the Center-Peas hopper also stocks one small jar of freshly canned peas for ease of use.
*images represent performances taking place 2014-2018
Unuseless Objects
These vessels are created for hyper-specific functions and celebratory needs. They are well-suited to the mantel, dining table, or coffee table.
*images 2011-2014Pickle Pal with Brine Buddy
Trembleuse Cup
Pickle Pal with Brine Buddy
Lollipop Caddy
Ring Pillow with Flower Brick
Teapot
Teapot
Teapot