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This image shows a row of seven uniquely shaped ceramic vessels placed on a wooden shelf. Each vessel has an abstract design, with various twisting and looping handles that create intricate forms. The ceramics are beige with a rough, textured surface, and some have cut-out sections or openings in their bodies. The shapes vary, with some being rounder, others more elongated, and each has a distinctive, artistic appearance.

(Dis)Connection

Eleanor Heibel

Ceramic

Undergraduate
"(Dis)Connection” is a ceramic series aimed at exploring the intricate tapestry of human relationships and personality dynamics within social groups. Inspired by the concept of bodies as vessels for souls, each piece represents a person from my close circle, with physical attributes reflecting individual personality traits. Wide openings might signify extroversion, while small mouths could represent reservation. Inward-turned handles may suggest introspection, and outward-facing ones an outgoing nature. To inform each piece, I conducted interviews with each person, gathering insights on their views of human interaction and responses to social situations. This personal exploration offers viewers a tactile and visual journey through the nuanced layers of our connections. As audiences engage with the vessels, they're invited to contemplate the invisible bonds tying us together and the complex dynamics emerging when diverse personalities interact. The arrangement of pieces emphasizes group dynamics, encouraging reflection on how proximity and grouping affect our perceptions of connection. "(Dis)Connection” aims to spark conversations about human relationships in our complex, interconnected world, celebrating personality diversity while highlighting our shared need for connection.