Ianna Nova Frisby
Earthed
Influenced by her travels and by European curio-collecting traditions, artist and ceramicist Ianna Nova Frisby considers the concept of value, and the revolutionary powers of time and of earth processes, in her latest body of work, Earthed. Stalagmite-esque ceramic spires topped or otherwise incorporated with found objects of unknown origin, time, or value, interplay with layered glazes, tactile clay bodies, and globs of gilded hot glue. Rather than reading as mere bricolage, Frisby’s sculptures radiate significance, each like a sacred object revived from the dust of a religion lost to time. Or perhaps, these works are the temples themselves, miniature only in stature but equally monumental in presence.
They require a kind of looking that few of us have the pleasure of in our modern lives- a slowing down of body and mind, and a renewal of the faculties of wonder. All this is thanks to Frisby’s treatment of the minute and diminutive. Every element is elevated by the next, so that any hierarchy of value is confused, but only in the most pleasing fashion, alluding to a perception of order that is tangential to the chaos of the cosmos. One might even think that through these works, Frisby is postulating an optimistic outcome to the Anthropocene, wherein given enough time, the earth will re-consume every item and object of humankind, great or small, once significant or otherwise, and re-present them as the treasures of nature.
To learn more about Ianna Nova Frisby and her work visit:
@iannanova on Instagram
For inquiries regarding the works in Earthed please visit the artist website or email iannanovafrisby@gmail.com
