Lauren Kalman: … Do… Part…, 2026

…Do…Part…, 2026, black stoneware, glass, copper, silk, poplar, photo by Madison Muszynski courtesy of I.M. Weiss Gallery

Lauren Kalman: … Do… Part…, 2026

… Do… Part… originates from an action where thrown clay vessels and blown glass are distorted through being held or hugged by a jewelry-wearing body. The jewelry is left behind with the vessel along with the impression of the body. Once the vessels are distorted, they are not altered; oxidation of the metal, tension cracks in the clay, folds in the glass, and textures are all locked in place. These objects are markers of a specific moment and relationship between the body, jewelry, and vessel.

In the glass vessels the body pulls away, but copper jewelry remains, with the face of the jewelry embedded in the clay and glass and the inside or back visible to the viewer. A bracelet that was around the wrist as the vessel was held is partially embedded in the surface with the remainder dangling off the side. An earring is pressed into the surface surrounded by the imprint of an absent ear, and the back of earring protruding into space. The jewelry becomes a memento or marker of the body left behind. In the clay vessels the imprint of beaded necklaces and bracelets are left in the clay with the positive clay jewelry in the same clay body as the vessels are displayed on and adjacent to the vessels.

This project was supported by the Wayne State University Humanities Center

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