Jeremy Brooks is an artist who creates stunning crocheted vessels out of porcelain, a material that is typically associated with rigidity. Based in Conway, South Carolina, Brooks is also an Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Coastal Carolina University. His work is unique in that he challenges the traditional properties of clay, experimenting with its flexibility and elasticity.
Brooks’ vessels are small, typically around three inches wide, and are made by literally stitching slender lengths of clay together. The end result is a colorful and playful piece that resembles vinyl cord but is actually made of porcelain. Brooks uses a unique blend of clay materials that possess qualities of elasticity, making them behave more like rubber than clay. This allows him to create intricate and delicate forms that are both visually striking and technically impressive.
The artist begins by extruding long coils of clay in different colors, sometimes also rolling the medium into paper-thin slabs. The pliable and stretchy nature of the clay allows him to tie it into tight knots or crochet, knit, and weave it into dynamic forms. Many of Brooks’ vessels are vibrant expressions of color, while others have a more earthy and wood-fired appearance. The pieces appear to squish and bend as if they were made of soft material, further emphasizing the reference to fiber.
Currently, Brooks’ work is on display at the Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis alongside artists Steven Young Lee and Michael Velliquette. His vessels, such as “Knot Pot 2530” and “Wood Fired Knot Pot 12,” showcase his skill and creativity in working with porcelain. To see more of Jeremy Brooks’ work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram.
In conclusion, Jeremy Brooks’ crocheted porcelain vessels are a testament to his innovative approach to working with clay. By pushing the limits of the material’s flexibility, he creates intricate and colorful pieces that challenge traditional notions of what can be achieved with porcelain. His work is a beautiful fusion of artistry and technical skill, showcasing the endless possibilities of clay as a medium for artistic expression.
