Jeremy Vanderheyden
Artist Statement
Working with ceramics and wood is not merely a material choice - it is a lifestyle choice. By working closely with materials that have been forged over time by the processes of this planet, I am humbled by their vast history, character and tradition. They speak of craftsmanship, life and patience. As I reflect on our current society, I ask myself if we have forgotten the logic of craftsmanship by placing so much value on capitalistic gain - on convenient consumerism - and whether this has resulted in unsustainable practices and an immense waste of resources.
When asking these questions, it feels only natural to draw from imagery and motifs of industrial businesses as well as the waste that they create. The well-made object once reigned supreme; today, disposability has become the norm. If we can learn to see the value of these resources, we could begin to understand the potential that they still hold. By reclaiming these "waste" products and considering them in new designs, we can begin to tackle resource management on a local level and help curb the degradation of our environment.
Through my work, I craft meaningful and valued objects from reclaimed, considered and local resources with the most sustainable means possible. By interacting with and using my work, individuals are encouraged to understand the value of material, craftsmanship, the environment and their role as integral members of communities within our society.