Sierra Slentz
"Desert Glow" (2022)
Ceramic, found materials
Courtesy the artist

Artist Statement:
Under the Desert Sky is an ongoing series, consisting of hand-built ceramic objects or “physical sketches” that document the experience of journeying into the desert. Each piece represents a moment in time or part of a narrative. While being viewed collectively, they create a story of the landscape. Parts of the story are recreated from memory or photo transfers, while others are made by pressing clay directly into the earth. The process of pressing clay into the earth, collecting samples of debris, sand, and shards is an act of documenting where humans intersect with the landscape. This type of direct mark making tells a certain type of truth, whereas working from memory or photography have a different history of truth. These pieces are meant to be viewed up close, giving the viewer time to explore the details, as well as from afar taking in the whole story. The pieces included in Spirit of the Land were created from photographs and imprints lifted from the Avi Kwa Ami area and created while spending time at the Mystery Ranch and surrounding area.