Portfolio – Recent Work

Bonnie Kemske’s most recent ceramic works are cast hugs, made to allow our bodies to interact with them on many levels. Surface textures engage our abilities to distinguish surface quality. The weight of the work as it rests against the body stimulates a pleasurable sensation of pressure. The work is low-fired to facilitate the equalization of temperature between the toucher’s body and the ceramic pieces. As the body settles around the work, our sense of proprioception is engaged, that is, we sense our body in space and in relation to the object we hold. As the work moves across areas of our bare skin, the sense of a delicate touch, known as ‘the lover’s touch’, stimulates areas of the brain associated with pleasure and well-being. Handling and embracing the work evokes touch memories and subconscious associations. Finally, Bonnie believes that interaction with the work can generate a sense of self, a sense of wholeness in oneself, through a blurring of the subject and object. This leads the toucher to a self-reflective sensuality. The embrace is, above all, a centering action, one of comfort and security.

The progressive experience of the work,
Seeing touching grasping lifting holding caressing embracing: makes viewers into touchers, moving them away from sight alone and its required physical distance, to the intimacy of bodily contact.

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