Artist Statement: Fight or Flight
Empowerment is over coming a challenge that you may never have thought you would experience: the unknown and the acceptance of the unknown. Moments in time make us who we are today. It is our reflection of those moments that helps heal and acknowledge those challenges.
Three years ago I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I wasn’t able to work in my studio while going through treatment. During that time, to keep my hands busy I wrote several letters to friends and family from all over. It was a moment in time, just me that person and the paper. There was no judgment. When I received letters it became a moment of connection.
Once I completed my treatment and was able to work in my studio I created several porcelain envelopes inspired by the ones that I sent and received. This ceramic installation combines moments and stories that create a quilt of reflection. Creating 162 envelopes totaling the number days I went through treatment.
samantha l. stumpf ceramics 