shannon brooks

CLAY PRACTICE 2023- present

clay practice (2024-2025) is an iterative body of research physically connecting with rocks and clay to explore embodiments of deep time, earth, and what we build together through touch perception.

I move and sound with raw clay to discover memories, potential futures, and imaginary dimensions fossilized in our bodies and in the clay-earth. As a group performance, audiences are invited to play with the clay as performers improvise and transmogrify each other into earth-creatures, then let those structures crumble and evolve.

clay practice extends into a set of ceramic living objects meant to be touched and worn, including vessels, a spine-fountain, and ceramic exoskeleton. When touched or worn, these objects shape movement from their weight, form, and sound.

These sculptures were exhibited in a durational, evolving installation where performers worked with raw clay and ceramic objects while self-audio describing their experiences. Visitors witnessed, wandered, touched the objects, and even napped.
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