Oral History Project | Black Women Ceramicists
Status: Pitching
Project Description
The Black Women Ceramisit Project is an oral history initiative that seeks to highlight the voices and practices of Black women ceramicists, creating a vital archive of their contributions to contemporary art. Through this project, I engage directly with artists in their studios and exhibition spaces, conducting interviews to explore their creative processes, personal identities, career journeys, and the broader influences shaping their work.
This project aims to document the technical and artistic aspects of their practice and the lived experiences that inform their perspectives on art, craft, and culture. By capturing their stories, I aim to celebrate the resilience, innovat’s resilience, innovation, and profound cultural impact.
Central to this initiative is the argument that these artists play a critical role in contemporary art. They inspire new generations, create essential pedagogies, and challenge traditional hierarchies that often separate ceramics from the broader fine arts and crafts discourse. Their work serves as a subversive response to classical frameworks, redefining the narratives around ceramics and its place in art history. I invite intersectionality of race, class, and gender to reach wider audiences and discuss artists' contemporary challenges.
This archive will serve as both a resource and a platform, preserving the legacy of these artists while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their work. By amplifying their voices, oral history seeks to redefine the boundaries of ceramics and celebrate its significance as a medium of identity, agency, and cultural preservation.
Statement of Intent
My intent with this Curatorial Seminar is to utilize this dynamic space where research, community, and mentorship would provide a platform for me to amplify the voices of Black women ceramicists as a curator. By documenting their practices, identities, and career narratives, I aim to build a living archive that bridges the gap between contemporary research and its presentation in gallery spaces.
This project requires resources that support its multifaceted nature, including access to working studios, exhibition spaces, and archival materials that contextualize these artists’ contributions. Equally important is a community space where I can workshop ideas, engage in dialogue, and refine the narratives this project seeks to preserve and present. Such a space will allow me to integrate perspectives from peers and collaborators, fostering collective growth and understanding.
Mentorship is vital to the success of this project. Guidance from experienced professionals will provide the tools to navigate the complexities of translating oral histories into curatorial frameworks. I am particularly eager to learn how to craft exhibitions that honor these artists' work's intimate and subversive nature while making it accessible and inspiring to broader audiences.
Ultimately, this project seeks to challenge traditional hierarchies in art and craft by celebrating the significance of Black women’s contributions to ceramics. Through mentorship, resources, and community engagement, I hope to develop a model that not only preserves these narratives but also creates spaces where they can actively shape the future of contemporary art.
Relevant Experience
My experience uniquely positions me to execute this oral history project with depth, sensitivity, and a focus on storytelling. I contributed to the Barkley Hendricks exhibition at The Frick, where I emphasized the importance of artist narratives and provenance research, culminating in a publication that foregrounded Hendricks’ legacy. This work underscored the critical role of storytelling in preserving and presenting an artist's journey.
At The Studio Museum, I worked directly with living artists and artists-in-residence, providing platforms to promote their work while offering career exploration and storytelling spaces. This hands-on experience allowed me to foster meaningful dialogues between artists and audiences, ensuring their voices were centered in exhibitions and programming.
Beyond institutional settings, I bring extensive experience in programming and project management. My independent curatorial pursuits have included managing social media on professional and social platforms to amplify exhibitions and projects. I have contributed to exhibition production, residency development, and administrative tasks, placing me at the intersection of artists, audiences, institutional directors, and the mission of creative spaces.
This combination of roles has taught me how to craft harmonious narratives that are inviting, engaging, and tailored to the spaces they inhabit. My ability to bridge artist-centered research with curatorial practice ensures that this oral history project will preserve and elevate the voices of Black women ceramicists, creating an impactful resource for audiences and the art community alike.
Eligibility for Form + Interview
Women identifying and 18+
Active studio practice, available for
Signed agreement for photo release and interview publication
Hand-building or wheel-throwing practices
Focus
Black Feminism, figuration, agency, identity, race
Career lengths, exhibitions, publications, interdisciplinary approaches to work
Literature, mentors, education, workshops, and other methods used to learn more about self and your work
