Alexis Schnipper: On the Wings Herbert Sanders Gallery, 03/07/2022–03/11/2022 Advisors: Adam Shiverdecker, Monica Van den Dool Works in the Exhibit Views of the Exhibit

Artist's Statement

Most people say to face our realities, but sometimes we need a break from them. For me, escaping into my dreams touches a desire to create and bring to life a world using clay that would not otherwise exist. Although my clay sculptures are not technically alive, they still encapsulate a thought that would have otherwise been trapped within my mind. Mythology and fantasy have been the driving force in much of my artwork; however, one of the simplest things that first inspired me was clouds. Most people will think of the clouds that resemble cotton balls; they are the ones that are most familiar when it comes to cloud watching. It was always fun to see what shapes the clouds take on, maybe a dog, a hat, the possibilities are endless.

I did not always have knowledge that Greek sculptures were painted in bright colors and not the stark white statues that are known today. However, I still admire what they look like now and wanted to replicate that whimsical feeling by using porcelain clay. The memories of days long past remain engraved in statues through stories of mythology, and one of my stories is riding on the wings of this Pegasus above the clouds; hence why this piece is called “On the Wings”.

Mythology exists because it gave a story to what could not be explained, or from things that were thought to be seen but were never confirmed and became a myth. I hope when people look at my artwork that they not only see what is right in front of them but a whole world that the piece could exist in.