Melody Tiemann- Artist in Residence / Clay
Email: mtiemann@tntech.edu

Artist Statement

Cockroach

Flytraps with Maryjanes

As with fairytales and fables, dreams have an imaginary otherworldliness while conveying underlying darkness and lessons to be learned.  The sensory impressions left by dreams can change how we relate to and view the world.  My artwork is derived from the feelings and images that I retain after dreaming.             
Combining humor with darkness and hope, I create stylized ceramic objects that embody the fears and fantasies of my unconscious. Exploring human nature, these whimsical creatures and evolving forms capture danger and apprehension, and yet contain elements of light, joy, and peace. 

The environment I create with these objects is an embellisheddreamscape.  My installation physically represents the connections that my unconscious mind makes in trying to understand the world around me.  The fresh dirt becomes the grave, the path winds along my journey, and theresonance of crickets and owls whisper of doubt and terror.  This multi-sensory encounter of sound, smell and visuals are the elements of my story.  The viewer through his or her own experiences, memories, and fears begins to create a new tale.