Exo-skeletons

Porcelain shells

Ruth van Eck-Rotholz

The Exo-skeletons, textured, thin, and translucent porcelain shells, reveal the memory of its exterior supporting rigid fabric structure when created. The sewn textured fabric forms, hung in a framework, form a textured natural catenary arch. Glazed in clear glaze, its jagged edge is subtly highlighted with pearl luster to capture the light within.

These porcelain Exo-skeletons are not possible to create with the wheel, with hand building, or with plaster molds. Instead, I create for each form a unique fabric structure that eventually burns away. Fired at 1255° Celsius, the porcelain becomes extremely hard, while yet seems fragile and delicate.