Artist Statement

My ceramic practice centers on the creation of functional works—dish sets, platters, and kitchenware—that bring people together through shared experience. I am deeply interested in how handmade objects can foster connection, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for gathering and memory-making. The pieces I create are meant to be used, cherished, and passed down, becoming part of the evolving stories of the families and communities they belong to.

I employ both handbuilding and wheel-throwing techniques, drawing inspiration from antique forms and traditional craft practices. My aesthetic reflects a respect for older styles while exploring how they can be reinterpreted in a contemporary context. Each piece becomes a dialogue between history and modernity—between the tactile intimacy of making and the enduring functionality of ceramic design.

At its core, my work seeks to honor the everyday act of use as an expression of care and continuity. Through form, surface, and purpose, I aim to create ceramics that hold meaning beyond utility—objects that connect people to one another and to the timeless beauty of craft.

Curatorial Statement

As a curator, my central focus lies in shaping the emotional and sensory experience of an exhibition. I am deeply invested in how both artists and audiences connect with a space—the moments of anticipation, reflection, satisfaction, and resonance that art can inspire when thoughtfully curated.

My approach prioritizes intentional design and atmosphere. Through careful consideration of layout, lighting, and spatial rhythm, I aim to create exhibitions that amplify the emotional depth of each artwork while maintaining a cohesive narrative across the collection.

For me, curating is an act of translation—transforming artistic vision into a shared experience that invites viewers to engage deeply and authentically. Each exhibition is an opportunity to evoke feeling, foster connection, and celebrate the dialogue between artist, artwork, and audience.

Biography

Grace Swank is a BFA and BA candidate at Adrian College, studying Studio Art and Arts Management. She is a practicing artist and emerging curator whose work bridges creative production, exhibition design, and community engagement. Grace has curated and assisted with exhibitions at the Hickman Gallery at Adrian College, supporting installations, documentation, visitor engagement, and event promotion. She has also gained professional experience in arts management through internships with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, including work on concert logistics, marketing, and audience communications.