LEXIE KOCH

BIOGRAPHY

Lexie Koch is a craftsperson living in rural North Carolina where she pursues pinched, functional ceramics and a variety of textile processes. In this quiet environment, she finds her work reflects concepts centered around time and interpersonal interactions. As the Ceramics Studio Coordinator at Pocosin Arts, she is fortunate to work with many different artists in an effort to share craft knowledge with others.

ARTIST STATEMENT

When making ceramic pieces, I put myself in the mindset of each piece, imagining its entire lifecycle as it goes from soil, to kiln, to table. For the small part that I play in its life, I change it permanently, so I make sure to move with intention. This act of intentionality leaves a tiny piece of myself behind with every pinch. This choice - pinching - allows me to focus my attention most carefully on every square inch of a piece. Through interacting with my work, the viewer can feel some remnant of me in them.

As I sit in my studio making, I consider this fleeting intersection of timelines: my life and the life of the piece. I choose to interpret these moments through organic lines that skim the surfaces of most of my pieces. Sometimes these lines depict moments intersecting, while other times they do a careful dance in order to avoid one another. By hiding in abstraction, these narrative lines are open to separate interpretations which allows them to hold new stories outside of my hands. They are not dependent on my presence to hold meaning.

I aspire to see my work continue to change beyond my grasp; I want it to mean something to someone other than me. Much like people, ceramic objects find meaning through purpose. This desire of mine is only achieved through functionality, as a decorative piece that sits upon a shelf does not impact the user in the same way it might be caressed in a soapy sink or passed lovingly amongst friends. Pieces like mine find beauty in cherished use.

Instagram: @made_by_lexie