Iza Lozano - Aug 25'

Interview: Iza Lozano
 
1. How did you come to ceramics?

While studying anthropology, I started focusing my research projects on artisan work. There is a significant pottery heritage in Mexico, and I became interested in its cultural value, aesthetics, and the way tradition is constantly evolving within society. That's why I decided to get hands-on and do a ceramics technician career in Mexico City, clay became my life since then.

 
2. The title for the first solo exhibition at Public Record 'Trace of an Orbital Motion' is so evocative, can you talk about how this relates to your work?

Trace of an orbital motion came up while I was attempting to describe the burnished/carved lines I usually leave on the surface - sometimes the interior - of my pieces, as the result of the circular movement that helps me create the structure of my pots. And it's also a metaphorical allusion to solar system categories, a word game, a suggestion for looking up into the night sky.

 
EARTH
            BODY
    SPACE

3. You mentioned you love the vulnerability of your pieces before being fired, can you talk about this?

I think of an unfired piece as a liminal entity. Something that is not completed, not at its final permanent stage, not a product, but then it's still a process and can be easily transformed into mud again, be reshaped, rebuilt. As human experience.

 
4. You reference archaeological objects in your artist statement, why are these objects alluring to you?

Because of its transcendence in human history, how they are embedded in our imaginary and their plasticity to be analyzed and interpreted according to multiple different contexts.

5. Can you tell us of any contemporary artists that inspire you?

I ́ve been following Beatriz Zamora ́s work for years, she is a Mexican contemporary artist, a pioneer in monochrome who has been creating since the '70s.
Her work is BLACK. Different ways of a search for deepness, space, mystery, silence, - LA NADA - absolute absence, utilising earthen-based materials: minerals like silicon carbide, semi-precious stones and natural charcoal in a big chunky format.
All this mixed with a passion for work and feminist activism makes her my true idol.

 
6. We are so excited for you to teach a workshop at Public Record. What do you enjoy most about teaching your craft?

Me too! Thank you for having me as a tutor.
I think knowledge needs to find its way through another pair of hands. Sharing!

 
7. I see a strong connection to Mexico when looking at your work, how do you think your heritage informs your aesthetics and practice?

“En el mercado” by Manuel Álvarez Bravo. 1937
 

8. What keeps you making? 

The search for S U B L I M A T I O N 

Last image - ref https://www.artsy.net/artwork/manuel-alvarez-bravo-en-el-mercado-merida