364: Natalia Arbelaez on activating ceramics through performance

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an
interview with Natalia Arbelaez. Her terracotta sculptures often
involve figures interacting with one another or conveying emotion
with their facial expressions. She draws from her Colombian
family’s immigration story to tell a larger cultural history of
hybridization that is a result of migration. In our interview we
talk about activating ceramic objects through performance, and
the research and art making she has been doing around artists of
color in museum collections. To see examples of her work visit
www.nataliaarbelaez.com. She is also one of the co-organizers of
the Color Network, an organization founded to aid in the
advancement of people of color in the ceramic arts. For more
information visit www.thecolornetwork.org.  


 


I want to give a shout out to KC Clay Guild for sponsoring this
episode of the podcast. KC Clay Guild has been supporting ceramic
artists and providing a space to explore clay in Kansas City,
Missouri since 1988. The guild is accepting applications for
their Artist-in-Residence Program until April 15th. This program
is open to anyone who is looking to jump start their ceramics
career. The guild has been upgrading their already well-equipped
studio and will be adding a new Blaauw Gas kiln in 2021. Benefits
include a private studio space, free firing, opportunities to
teach, and an annual stipend. Check out www.kcclayguild.org/AIR
to learn more.