TWU Sculptural Ceramics 2012: Julie Rawle Greer

Shannon Sullivan

Shannon Sullivan's hybrid piece, (Hybrid #7, a pedestal piece), consists of fired ceramics, pigmented casting foam, wire, flock, and acrylic. Her hybrid form has a playful quality that resembles a natural organism sprouted from the earth. It favors a flower or a dissected fruit or vegetable gone awry. The base or back of the piece is made of fired ceramic. The white petal shaped pieces on a dark background appear to be made of acrylic (description doesn't specify). The marshmallow-looking yellow circle is pigmented casting foam that acts as a center-base for the flocked wires. The flocked wires add dimension and mimic the stamen of a flower.

Sullivan's hybrid work blends colors, patterns and textures to create something that seems oddly familiar, causing pause to figure it out. It references nature in a fun and whimsical way with a creepy twist. It reminds me of a flower that would live in the world of animation, or more specifically, a Dr. Seuss illustration.

I enjoy the imagery and playfulness of Sullivan's piece. The combination of hybrid materials works well together and creates a successful play on nature.