Wedding Stories An exhibition by Cardiff based American ceramicist Lisa Krigel, interpreting the visual iconography of wedding traditions from around the world.
Wedding Stories is an exhibition by Cardiff based American ceramicist Lisa Krigel, interpreting the visual iconography of wedding traditions from around the world. Wedding Stories began with a range of white porcelain ware; teapots, cake stands, cups and saucers, textured with lace and doilies, delicately balanced to form a modern allegory for the precarious excesses of the ‘White Wedding’. The creation of the eclectic range of work in Wedding Stories has been the result of Lisa’s investigation into wedding practices and customs from different cultures and ages. Global folklore and traditional poems together with African and Indian conventions inspire the work: a thrown and hand carved soup tureen is inspired by the Korovai, a traditional wedding bread from the Ukraine; a tile ‘rug’ wall piece references the traditional Persian Sofreh; a tower of flower vases with orange blossoms draped in pearls and rhinestones pays homage to the traditional French croquembouche. Lisa’s work continues to be concerned with the fine balance between form and function. Stretching and developing the form inevitably challenges the function, creating an everpresent tension. However, this tension does not detract from the playful nature inherent in her work which often teeters on the kitsch.
Lisa Krigel is an American artist living and working in Cardiff. She gained her BFA in ceramics from Alfred University and her MFA in ceramics and mixed media sculpture from Pennsylvania State University. Since moving from New York in 2000 and establishing herself at the Fireworks Clay Studios in Cardiff she has exhibited widely both in the UK and in the United States. She has taught extensively in state and private institutions as well as undertaking residencies and leading workshops for schools and community organisations.
www.lisakrigel.com Photograph on front cover: Toril Brancher
A Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre Touring Exhibition
www.lgac.org.uk