Arabella Ark

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

My ceramic pieces are recent reflections on communion and connection, those moments of offering, of opening oneself to the universe. In my search for a way to symbolize the soul’s journey beyond time and space, I create mystical temples and tea houses. Evocative of Japanese architecture, these vessels also act as a metaphor for the empty space inside, the center of longing and communion, much as a cathedral acts as a vessel for transmittal of prayer. The temple is, perhaps, a physical expression of the longing to touch the infinite, to meet the divine.

As a dreamer, many of my forms are pillow-like, often embellished with thresholds to signify entering into the dream state. Thresholds, steps, windows amplify the willingness to enter--through a door, a passage, even a broken gate--uncharted territory. I think that dreams and art shift perception, express ineffable moods and offer the soul a healing balm.

Living in Hawai’i, I celebrate elements of the culture. My “Upena Series” honors the tradition of throw-net fishing.

As a ceramic artist, I have distinguished myself in the art world by my large-scale, architectural ceramic forms, lending them a feeling of mystery and antiquity. I am a self-taught in clay, creating in my studio in Hawaii for forty-two years.

Career highlights:

Research residencies at Rufford Ceramic Centre, UK

Ceramics Instructor at Honolulu Museum

President Hawaii Craftsmen

Vice President Hana Arts

Member Craft Potter Association, UK

Member Pacific Handcrafters Guild

Member Maui Craft Guild

Biennial Artist in 1995 for the Contemporary Museum in Honolulu 1995

Alfred Preis Memorial Award for Achievement in the Arts

1989 Invited Artist for the Artists of Hawaii, Honolulu Academy of Arts

Work in permanent collections:

Yixing Ceramics Museum, China

Gold Coast Museum, Australia

Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Museum, USA

Campbell Soup Museum, USA

Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and Arts

City and County of Honolulu

First Hawaiian Bank

Ihilani Hotel

Queens Hospital

Poipu Hyatt Hotel

Hawaii State Convention Center

Hawaii School for Deaf and Blind

ARABELLA ARK

ARK CERAMICS
PO BOX 667
HANA, HI 96713
TEL. 808 248 4890
WWW.ARKCERAMICS.NET