Jay Hatfield

 Artist Statement

I’m a multidisciplinary artist; however, my primary material is clay.  I find myself at the intersection between aesthetics, spontaneity, and commentary.  I embrace the challenge of creating something beautiful, an object enjoyed by most.  This is easily accomplished with pottery; something useful, unique, and attractive.  However, this process usually requires skill, planning, and control, something I am continuously working on.

I also embrace the notion that my work should have an element of spontaneity and be guided by the freedom of intuition. Letting the process and the material take the lead.  Finding the sweet spot of losing yourself within your work is valuable and exciting. 

I also feel that art should serve its community. If an artist is willing, as I am, to take up difficult political, environmental, or social issues, I feel they should. I can only work so long before I feel my voice should take center stage, yet I still want to embrace the elements of design, stay mindful of aesthetics, and appreciate moments of spontaneity.