Leeanna Izquierdo
Pronouns: They / Them / Theirs
BFA Fine Arts
Artist Statement
For most people, clay making is exceptionally beneficial for mental health, a shape of healing, great for art therapy, and just all-embracing physically, mentally and emotionally.
Instead of the more traditional ways of art making from brushes, pencils, crayons, etc., clay making is hands only. As infants, our mode of expression is primarily tactile contact, so that plays a big role in our life. Engaging in touch enhances muscle development, motor function, aids in learning about and navigating essential constructs (understanding weight, texture, clay management, clay building techniques, decoration techniques and even glazing), and is a means of expressing one's emotions.
When it comes to the tactile experience for pottery, it can be exceptionally meditative. It promotes this inviting deep feeling of relaxation; your stress level naturally sinks as your mind and body is surrounded by creativity. Cynthia Fox, a long time clay artist, says, "I like the feel and dirtiness of the medium. It makes it feel more like my own work, like more of me is reflected in the clay."
The therapeutic effects of clay making, sculpting and even throwing releases energy, tension and sensations. Clay is a welcoming medium to explore your creativity, letting your inner self guide you, and advancing your confidence, your expressive abilities, and many other benefits from mind-body connection and awareness. It adds a sense of accomplishment and places you on a timeout from intrusive thoughts and emotions, which leads to mindful techniques grounding you in the present and uncovering ways of healing.
IMAGE GALLERY
Click through to enlarge and view individual artworks from Leeanna's thesis project.
