Beneath the Stillness

Artist Statement: This piece was hand-built and was started using a solid piece of clay. After loosely forming the facial features, it was cut open and hollowed out, later refining the facial features one by one. It is meant to show intense emotion, specifically anger hidden within quietness, through a calm face surrounded by snakes. Inspired by Medusa, the snakes reflect inner conflict, acting as both a protective barrier and a source of fear, representing the chaos of suppressed anger. What is first looked at as intimidating, is now viewed as protective. The snakes represent inner conflict, being both protective and dangerous. The color choice highlights the tension between intensity and control. The complementary color palette of green and red used on the snakes vibrates with intense emotions such as anger while the blue and purple face/head represents the quietness and how other emotions can overpower each other.