The three branches of government

Sigrid Zahner

The three branches of government

2017

Slip cast and hand built porcelain and earthenware, slips, stains, glaze, luster, hair. w: 24" h 16" d: 9"

I fabricate the models for molds out of found fabrics/socks, textured weavings. I stuff them, bind them, and then make plaster molds. I also carve sections out of foam and make molds. I cast them all with porcelain slip, add to them and and assemble them into figurative work. I am interested in portraying how we are all made up of disparate parts and experiences and like to point out that a woven or knitted surface is often read as 'women's work' and it is women who usually raise us. The doll-like dimensions are an essential part of the work.

About the artist: I was born and raised in London and was a musician in a family of musicians. I ran away to the USA in my early 20's and was astounded by the ceramics movement on the West Coast. I was also introduced to the work of Annette Messager, and piece that incorporates birds on a table in knitted jackets continues to be one of the most influential and iconic pieces of work for me. I feel that, in spite of my British background, I am an American artist in every way. I am the head of the ceramics department at Purdue University where I also teach sculpture.

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