meredith host
Posted on 17. Mar, 2011 by Carrie in muse
words > MATTHEW CLAGG
For many, art is defined as ‘fine art’-painting, dance, or sculpture; but all kinds of art surrounds us in everyday life. The art of design shapes the things that we use and interacts with us on a daily basis. Ceramic artists such as Meredith Host bring the thoughtfulness and conceptual content of fine art into art for functional design. Host is a potter; she creates bowls, cups, plates, pitchers other ceramic dishes for displaying and consuming food and drink. Through both her forms and surface decoration Host creates a dialogue that makes the user, not just a viewer, aware of the interaction between themselves, the object, and what is being consumed.
Host uses simple approachable forms onto which she layers brightly colored patterns that interact within the surface of the vessel. Taking inspiration from everyday adornment such as patterned toilet tissue and paper towels, she works to bring attention to the underexposed designs in modern domestic life while creating intricate and engaging designs. “Decorating is really a balancing act,” she says. “I play around with asymmetry in color and pattern on symmetrical forms to create dynamic surfaces.” These dynamic surfaces bring the user into a direct interaction with the object, and through this the artist is able to communicate an idea to the user.
“Ultimately,” says Host, “I would like my work to be in a home environment, fulfilling their functional destiny if you will. There’s something special about drinking from a handmade cup or eating off handmade dishes. There’s a special story and the trace of the maker residing in each piece.”
Functional art holds a unique spot in the art world. It can be displayed, admired and sold in a gallery, but to receive the whole message it has to be used, washed and reused. This aspect is what gives pottery its greatest asset-it is both visually and mentally stimulating, as well as fulfilling a physical need. It is a dual relationship of form and function that gives the artist an ability to reach beyond the untouchable nature of fine art and into deeper levels of engagement with the audience.
