Inherent Light, 2019

Alex Hodge   New & remarkable Artists

Inherent light Carved porcelain One of a kind.

 Hodge's poetic porcelain plates examine and reimagine the history of art in a way that values women, not only in body, but in wholeness, power, and love. Focusing on the narrative qualities of art-making, Hodge weaves stories into the clay which are both personal and universal.

This striking artwork, crafted on a circular ceramic plate, captures attention with its bold monochromatic palette. The central figure is a stylized portrait of a person, adorned with an elaborate, swirling hairstyle. Surrounding the face are petal-like shapes, reminiscent of a sunflower, which create a vibrant halo effect. The figure’s attire features intricate patterns, adding depth and texture to the composition. The scalloped edge of the plate adds a delicate, ornamental touch, contrasting with the boldness of the design. With its seamless blend of abstract and figurative elements, this piece masterfully fuses traditional and contemporary techniques, evoking a sense of timeless charm while pushing artistic boundaries.

Alex Hodge was always drawn to the arts and regularly channeled her creativity as a child whether in watercolor classes or scrapbooking with her mother. Hodge focuses on prioritizing women’s narratives in all aspects of her work. Through the decorative and symbolic details, she hints at narratives without completing them to invite the viewer to participate in creating meaning. The women she invents exist in the present but is of the imagined future in which we all have room to flourish, to tell our stories, to give and receive love, and to express the beauty and pain of the human condition. Fundamentally, her artworks are a celebration of the tenacity and vulnerability of women and clay, an interplay of history and hope.