In her porcelain and gold leaf vessels, Florida native Deneece Harrell draws on the Japanese art of kintsugi.
The artist: Born and raised in Lakeland, FL, Harrell earned a design degree from the School of Architecture at the University of Florida. Over her 35-year career, she has worked in corporate and residential interior design and taught visual arts and ceramics. Two years ago, she opened her ceramics studio.
The company: Deneece Harrell, Sculptural Ceramics started in September 2019.
The artist converted two buildings on her property in Highlands, NC, where she moved in 2020, into studios: one is dedicated to clay. The other, to a kiln and space for other projects, including gold leafing, glazing, finishing and shipping.
The art & materials: Layered porcelain and gold leaf vessels ($500 to $3,000) in organic shapes. The unglazed vessels are created from torn and misshapen slabs of clay. Gold leaf is applied to vessels’ interior and uneven rims. The artist taps into the practice of kintsugi in her work
What is kintsugi: Means to “repair or join with gold” and is part of an ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with a lacquer mixed with powdered gold. As a philosophy, it is a reminder to embrace human flaws, highlighting imperfections rather than hiding them.
Honors & awards: Many, including:
- Honorable mention in the “Off Center” International Ceramic Competition,” sponsored by Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA, 2021.
- First place in 3-D in the National Fine Art Show at the Lincoln Gallery, Loveland, CO, 2020.
What’s new: Eleven new works that will explore themes, such as identity.
What’s next:
- The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers show at the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts (thebascom.org), Highlands, NC. Through Dec. 31.
- American Craft Council, Baltimore show. Live, Feb. 11-13 and online, Feb. 7-20
- Palm Beach Fine Craft Show, Feb. 18-20.
Where to buy: DeneeceHarrell.com
Get social at:
– Facebook: Deneece Harrell Sculptural Porcelain
– Instagram: Deneece Harrell ceramics
