Inside Out: Alison Santa Maria, Ascension

• dimensions: 4.75"L x 4.725"W x 8.25"H
  
• description: Part of the Inside Out collection for Pottery Palooza, running November 7–30.

"Ascension" is a piece from Alison's "The Light Within" collection shown at Surface Gallery in October of 2024. The collection of porcelain and stoneware sculptural lamps explored the relationship between self and place, of nature and human domination, and ultimately of what it means to be and feel “at home”. As a descendent of homesteaders and cattle ranchers along the Colorado/ New Mexico border, I've spent a lot of time in the expansive landscapes of the Southwest. These places, especially my family ranch in Stonewall, have held me, comforted me, and brought me back home to myself over and over again. Creating this collection allowed me the time and space to adopt the concept that the most sacred home we can find, foster, cultivate, and nurture - is the home within ourselves. The lighting element was the focus of this work from the beginning, because home is the place where we "leave the light on" to welcome us when we return.