life like fragile clay breaks down materiality and color as vivid depictions of what it means to be alive in a human body as an object that retains memory. This is an oral history with sculptor Arlene Schechet, hosted by Rachael Borthwick. Arlene is a sculptor based in New York, who is featured in the 2023 Philadelphia Arts Alliance group show “The Searchers”. In this episode, Arlene explores the roots of her relationship with clay, and the sensuality of material expressiveness. The episode culminates into a dramatic consideration of what it means to be human.
About the Artist
Arlene Shechet (she/her/hers) is a multidisciplinary sculptor living and working in New York City and the Hudson Valley.
Wading through Arlene’s work, you must understand multiple layers and meanings of what it means to act both in and out of control with objects that show us they are alive.
Fascinated by the way things are made, Shechet likens her studio to both farm and factory. Employing an experimental approach to ceramic sculpture, she tests the limits of gravity, color, and texture by pushing against the boundary of classical techniques, sometimes fusing her kiln-fired creations with complex plinths formed of wood, steel, and concrete.
In this way, Shechet focuses intently on ensuring that the display, sight lines, and relationships of the objects in her exhibitions change with every view while maintaining formal equilibrium.
This isn't just a medium. In this episode Arlene Shechet breaks down materiality and color as vivid depictions of what it means to be alive in a human body as an object that retains memory.
For more information visit art21.org/artist/arlene-shechet/
Wading through Arlene’s work, you must understand multiple layers and meanings of what it means to act both in and out of control with objects that show us they are alive.
Fascinated by the way things are made, Shechet likens her studio to both farm and factory. Employing an experimental approach to ceramic sculpture, she tests the limits of gravity, color, and texture by pushing against the boundary of classical techniques, sometimes fusing her kiln-fired creations with complex plinths formed of wood, steel, and concrete.
In this way, Shechet focuses intently on ensuring that the display, sight lines, and relationships of the objects in her exhibitions change with every view while maintaining formal equilibrium.
This isn't just a medium. In this episode Arlene Shechet breaks down materiality and color as vivid depictions of what it means to be alive in a human body as an object that retains memory.
For more information visit art21.org/artist/arlene-shechet/
About the Host
Rachael Borthwick (they/them) is a Multimedia Storyteller and Digital Organizer. Their work has allowed them to live in Edinburgh, London, Athens, Saratoga Springs, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
Currently, Rachael is a Digital Organizer for the podcast Straight White American Jesus, and creator of its affiliated podcast Out of the Closet & Into the Pews. Rachael's current projects include the creation of a white racial loss facilitation series with white American parents to understand Critical Race Theory. Rachael is drawn to backdoor stories, those that don't arise in traditional ways, and stories that focus on the complicated intersection of religion and identity.
Rachael's current research examines the Rise of the Religious Right and Political Whiteness in public education and school choice. Rachael has also developed an audio project for the January 6th Insurrection under guidance of Dr. Anthea Butler.
Currently, Rachael is a Digital Organizer for the podcast Straight White American Jesus, and creator of its affiliated podcast Out of the Closet & Into the Pews. Rachael's current projects include the creation of a white racial loss facilitation series with white American parents to understand Critical Race Theory. Rachael is drawn to backdoor stories, those that don't arise in traditional ways, and stories that focus on the complicated intersection of religion and identity.
Rachael's current research examines the Rise of the Religious Right and Political Whiteness in public education and school choice. Rachael has also developed an audio project for the January 6th Insurrection under guidance of Dr. Anthea Butler.
Sound Credits
- “Clay Jar Break” by Clearwavsound (https://freesound.org/s/540337/) Licensed under the Attribution 3.0 License
- “Clay Tiles” by rightpurdy (https://freesound.org/s/243516/) Licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License
- “Moving Plate Shards” by jorickhoofd (https://freesound.org/s/179267/) Licensed under the Attribution 4.0 License
- “Punching Dough” by qubodup (https://freesound.org/s/172489/) Licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License
- “frogs.wav” by Simone_ds (https://freesound.org/s/366073/) Licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License
- “Birds in Rain Sounds (Scotland” by BurghRecords (https://freesound.org/s/521360/) Licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License
- “Clay Jar Break” by Clearwavsound (https://freesound.org/s/540337/) Licensed under the Attribution 3.0 License
- “Clay Tiles” by rightpurdy (https://freesound.org/s/243516/) Licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License
- “Moving Plate Shards” by jorickhoofd (https://freesound.org/s/179267/) Licensed under the Attribution 4.0 License
- “Punching Dough” by qubodup (https://freesound.org/s/172489/) Licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License
- “frogs.wav” by Simone_ds (https://freesound.org/s/366073/) Licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License
- “Birds in Rain Sounds (Scotland” by BurghRecords (https://freesound.org/s/521360/) Licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License