about

Artist’s statement

In ceramicist Julia Galloway’s website “Library of Cups,” tucked among hundreds of singular cups professionally photographed against solid gray backgrounds, is a photograph of Galloway’s own kitchen wall–six wooden plank shelves over white plaster, filled with cups, mugs, and small bowls of all different colors and styles. She writes, “This is the wall in my kitchen, one that continues to get fuller all the time! People’s choice during potluck always fascinates me and this collection seems to create an inviting excitement for the visitors in my home.” This service of art — to be something to choose and cherish at a gathering of friends — is what I strive for in my own artistic practice. 

My own art is connected to an ideal of a warm, loving domestic space that I am constantly building for myself and the people I love. I am influenced by, among other pieces of country music and folk art, The Highwomen’s song “Crowded Table” — they sing “I want a house / with a crowded table / and a place by the fire / for everyone.” As a ceramicist, I am interested in creating quiet, quaint functional objects, primarily in stoneware with simple glazing.

This artistic vision is expressive of three dimensions of my identity. Firstly, I have dealt with a serious anxiety disorder for my whole life, and I have always found domestic spaces to be deeply grounding and fulfilling. Secondly, I am queer, and I grew up in rural Minnesota with very few queer role models — because of this, it is so important to me that everyone can envision and build a loving, joyful, and safe personal life. And thirdly, I believe my art responds to my positionality with American capitalism; I am interested in a life outside of work that is community-focused and joyful. Through my artistic practice, I work to celebrate and uplift these values.