Karina Fabian

I have always been interested in organic sculptural artifacts from ancient history. The actuation of this series was caused by chance from a rabbit hole during the pandemic. From ancient Chinese bronzeware, I was brought to a Wiki page on Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) ceramics. It spoke to me. In this series, I reimagine the vessels into decorative artforms that can be hung on a wall, aiming to highlight the traits that Song Dynasty ceramicists held as ideal. As I go through the involved process of creating them myself, I seek to gain a greater appreciation for these ceramics. 

An interesting characteristic of Song Dynasty ceramics is that the forms themselves are practical and simple. Whereas other societies explored more inventive forms, Song ceramists focused entirely on the texture of their glaze. To mimic these textures, I experiment with sand, salt, glue, foam, and various paints. Layering on drying glue, I create paint crackles to assimilate Song Dynasty pottery crazing. And to achieve the irregular dots of Song Dynasty wares, I commonly rip off patches in my art. I hope this work brings the talent of forgotten Song ceramicists into contemporary conversation.