Linda Heller

Lives and works in New York, NY, USA

Artist statement

I saw myself as an artist from an early age. My work is about women, in particular the tension between freedom and restriction in a patriarchal society. I’m drawn to the way the past continues to live on in a person’s physicality and I strive to capture those scars. I begin a piece with a loose intention. I start with the face and watch the clay reveal who the subject is, what she’s experienced and hopes to communicate. Given the difficulties I’ve experienced during my life I want the characters to reflect my former pain and what I tell myself are my deep philosophical thoughts. I intend to make a somber figure; woe is the plight of people on this earth, yet I can’t separate myself from the comical ironies I notice each day and viewers find my work funny. As for the look of my pieces I’m influenced by Italian Renaissance sculptures and American folk art.

Artwork

• Stunning, 2019. white clay, cone10 glazes
• Thirst Trap, 2022. white clay, majorlica glazes
• Circus, 2023. brown clay, underglazes
• pleasure, 2022. brown clay, underglazes
• Goddess, 2022. brown clay, underglazes
• Afterwards, 2022. brown clay, underglazes
• Flight, 2023. brown clay, underglazes
• Mother, 2022. brown clay, underglazes
• Pet, 2020. brown clay, underglazes
• Hybrid, 2022. brown clay, underglazes