Unconditional


The Unconditional Series serves as a reflection on my experiences as a woman and a mother. These ceramic figures are not mere sculptures; they are portals inviting us to experience life anew through the innocent eyes of a child. They are born from a child's world, embodying the constant concern that mothers bear in trying to safeguard their children in our increasingly precarious society.

In a world where sadness has loomed large, this body of work was born from a deep-seated urge to create sculptures that offer solace, tranquility, and the liberating sense of freedom. In essence, this collection is a tribute to love.

Throughout these pieces, I employ a rich tapestry of symbols and metaphors that unite the work on an emotional level. Hearts symbolize the love we share and the grief we endure, honoring both those we cherish and those we have lost. Hands, both adult and child-sized, embody the resilient bonds of family, with the parent's hands bearing the weight of responsibility. Fragmented faces and snakeskin patterns signify healing and the shedding of psychological layers, while birds and balloons represent the aspiration for flight, freedom, and the profound connection between the physical and spiritual realms. The owl embodies wisdom and femininity, delving into life's mysteries and magic. Sunflowers stand for adoration, longevity, and unwavering loyalty. Some pieces beckon us on a journey beyond the clouds, while sea turtles symbolize our deep connection to home, the cautionary tale of human vs. nature, and a poignant metaphor for safeguarding our youth.

Through the use of vibrant colors, playful symbols, and whimsical nature, my sculptures tap into the viewer's inner child, encouraging introspection. On closer examination, innocence yields to the complexities of adult emotions. I am captivated by the thresholds of mental transition and growth, and I believe that the collaborative dance between subconscious and conscious forces in my art serves as a metaphorical illustration of our personal evolution towards individualism.

Unconditional Series

Cone 04 Stoneware and steel.

Discarding Layers

Unconditional Love

Mirrors

Variegated Daydream

Fictitious Excursion

Domesticated

Heavy On My Heart

The Formative Years

Journey Beyond the Clouds (Owl)

Journey Beyond the Clouds (Bird)

Deflated

I Adore You

You Have My Heart

You Have My Heart

You Have My Heart

I Adore You

Sunflower Dreaming

XO Boxes

Sunflower Dreams

Berning pictured at her opening "Unconditional."