FORMAL ANALYSIS

     Literally translating to “breath”, Πνεῦμα is an ancient Greek term which, in tragedy, refers to the life force or essence of a being. Created in Ceramics 1, Spring of 2023, Πνεῦμα is a stoneware ceramic sculpture measuring fifteen inches high at its central peak and approximately fifteen inches across. On either side, tall, organic, teardrop shaped masses merge into the center, fusing to create a towering column between them. Combined, both curvilinear masses and their architectural junction create the unified silhouette of human lungs. The piece is nearly symmetrical, varying only slightly in height and width between the individual lungs. However, the entire piece becomes unified at its central fusion point where harsher architectural form overtakes the seemingly soft silhouette of the body. With undeniable visual impact and symbolic weight, the elevated coil sculpture visually communicates through form, color, and texture. 

     First, while it is not immediately noticeable the surface was originally coil built, the exterior remains intentionally irregular, creating a muscular texture across each lung. As the piece progresses, however, the semi-smoothed organic masses fuse into a smoothed, linear depiction of an ionic column from the classical Greek orders. Where the column begins is a moment of great contrast. Repeated vertical fluting across the shaft of the pillar continues to lead eyesight upward, concluding the visual experience in the spiraling capital of the ionic column. Across, the front face of the capital, the word “Πνεῦμα” is etched into the otherwise texture-less crown. The entire form also interacts with negative space both in the gap between the two lung forms and within the sculpture itself: through its gaping punctures on the front face of the right lung, the exterior side of the left lung, and the smaller crater on the back of the right form. These cracked, severe, mutilations visually contrast with the soft and unsuspecting texture of the lung body. From the gaping punctures, web-like cracks reach outward, splitting across the cylindrical forms. Other hairlike fractures can be seen dividing the very top of the capital and within the spirals of the volutes. Without a doubt, these fragmented openings bring an unavoidable sense of instability and abolition. Additionally, the entire piece slants slightly forward, furthering the image of frailty. This theme is continued through the choice of glaze on the interior and the exterior of the ceramic form. 

     On the exterior, clear gloss coats and accentuates the natural color of the clay, a yellowed off-white, much like an aged marble. Furthermore, a neutral gray fills and emphasizes the hairline cracks which split across the sculpture, adding to the worn coloration of the piece. However, in stark contrast, through the sizeable punctures, a vibrant crimson pulls attention to the interior. While the detailed exterior, which uses line, repetition, and rhythm to lead the viewer’s eye up and across the piece, is visually captivating, the rich crimson interior fights for attention, pulling viewers into the ominous unknown of the cavernous interior. Overall, Πνεῦμα is captivating not only for its elements of visual interest, but also for the visceral symbolic impact which is apparent to any viewer.