New York based Shoshona Snow has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in ceramics and claims she is inspired by designs from the mid 19th century to the mid 20th century. She states she loves clean lines and colours and this is obvious in the vivid clarity that her pieces exude. The juxtaposition of her black and white elements against her bold colors seems to make the colors have a greater presence. Her pieces are truly handmade as she also makes her own clay and glazes. Her porcelain animal sculptures are brilliant with their abstract style and animated appearance.
Shoshona’s artistic statement : ” Growing up in a family of antique dealers and collectors fueled my obsession with objects from the past. I am constantly looking at ceramics from all time periods and all regions of the world. My goal is to create work that is inspired by the past, but with a more modern sensibility. I also enjoy finding lines, shapes and patterns in nature. Animals and plants provide endless inspiration. ”
” I am very interested in the ritual use of handmade ceramic objects and I want to create a sensory experience for the user. I use a technique called sgraffito to produce not only a tactile quality, but a very graphic quality as well, that allows me to emphasize particular shapes and add visual movement to the piece. The hand carved lines contrast the sometimes rigid, modern forms and help me add detail to every small, overlooked space, like the bottoms of each piece. I strive to find the place where nature and modern design meet, and where my love of pattern and ornamentation can become part of the clay instead of a layer on top.”
Ceramic Giraffe figurine – Shoshona Snow
Shoshona Snow sgraffito vase
Mod Porcelain Vase – Shoshona Snow
Thrown on the potter’s wheel, painted with black slip (liquid clay) and then carefully carved to reveal the white porcelain beneath. Glazed with yellow and a thin layer of glossy clear over the black and white. The carving continues right onto the bottom with Shoshona’s signature “s” and snowflake. Could also be used as a cup!
Shoshona Snow vase
Art Deco style porcelain mug cups – Shoshona Snow
Shoshona Snow sgraffito cat vase
Sleek Porcelain Art Nouveau Inspired Lady Vase
Shoshona’s description :
A modern, abstract version of and old fashioned, fashionable lady. This piece was cast from a basic mold, BUT then altered to make it more lady like. Glazed with a “peacock” on the inside and some outside highlights and then clear over the black and white. It can also be used as a decanter.
Shoshona Snow
The piece was slowly dried and then painted with black slip (liquid clay) and carved to reveal the white porcelain beneath. It has been glazed with tomato red (this is not a primary red, it has a bit of orange to it) and has highlights of orange and blue. There is a thin layer of clear glaze over the black and white. The carving continues onto the bottom with the signature “s” and snowflake.
Leaf Platter- Shoshona Snow
Abstract Fish Tray – Shoshona Snow
Porcelain Teapot
Mod Porcelain Jazz Vase – Shoshona Snow
Shoshona Snow fish bowls
Snowflake Ceramic Jewelry
Carved Porcelain Cereal bowl
This is made from gray porcelain , painted with white slip (liquefied clay) and then carved. With an interior purple color.
Mod Llama Sculpture
Shoshona Snow
Shoshona Snow chicken bowl
Shoshona Snow fish shaped serving bowl
Sgraffito Owl – Shoshona Snow
Shoshona Snow
Ceramic sgraffito tray by Shoshona Snow
This is from a series of trays based on 40’s and 50’s Science Fiction comics.
It was hand built out of a slab of fine (and fussy) porcelain. The piece was slowly dried and then painted with black slip (liquid clay) and carefully carved to reveal the white porcelain beneath.