Jennifer Yates, Aquamarine Mycology, 2025, Stoneware, 9 x 8.5 x 8.5 in

Jennifer Yates's creative process does not begin solely in the studio; it is informed by experiences and interests that extend into daily life. Inspiration arises from foraging in the forest, baking in the kitchen, and paddling on the water. The sense of euphoria she experiences while exploring natural environments is echoed in the studio, where she translates those sensations into fine art.

The shapes, patterns, colors, textures, and repetitions observed in nature stimulate the visual language of her work. These elements become integrated into her designs, forming connections between environment and artistic expression. Through clay, she explores transformation-allowing the material to become fluid in fire, yet strong and enduring once completed.

The soda kiln is an essential tool in her process, creating atmospheric surface effects that enrich the material's visual depth. The resulting textures reveal intricate, microscopic qualities reminiscent of natural surfaces viewed under magnification. These details invite closer observation and awareness, reflecting the subtle ecosystems with which we coexist. Through her work, Yates encourages a heightened sensitivity to the environments that surround and sustain us.