Artist Statement
I’m interested in how we face fears and challenges and work through them to the other side, even when that looks different from the place we expected to end up. In my ceramics work, I’ve been exploring themes of fear and comfort, trauma and healing. The process of building and rebuilding with clay can feel like the cycles of facing fear and trauma and the long journey to comfort and healing, only to do it all over again. In that vein, most of my pieces involve multiple parts that can be arranged in multiple ways, rearranged like dolls in a dollhouse. Many of them contain hidden elements that, when discovered, can add to or change the narrative completely, In moving pieces and changing perspectives, we often see a new way forward where the path was previously blocked.
Bio:
Manderley is an interdisciplinary artist based in Oak Ridge, TN. She is a senior at Maryville College, set to graduate December 2026, with a B.A. in Ceramics. In the fall of 2027 she will continue her academic journey, seeking a Master of Fine Art degree and certifications in Therapeutic Arts Coaching.
Manderley is passionate about art as a tool for healing and personal empowerment. She believes that every person has an innate creative spark that has absolutely nothing to do with “talent”. In her work with individuals and groups she helps people find ways to rekindle that spark and use it to build a creative daily practice.