I AMerican 

White Ripple Gallery 
Hammond, Indiana
June 14-July 26, 2014 
Opening June 14, 6-9pm

Tomorrow is the opening of I AMerican at the White Ripple Gallery in Hammond, Indiana. The exhibit aims to explore the intricate meaning of being an American from the eyes of a variety of artists of diverse cultural experiences. 

This intriguing exhibition, curated by Sergio Gomez, was initially shown at the Water Street Studios gallery earlier this year, and it will continue to travel to several more galleries, this and next year.

"I AM American explores the meaning of being "American". It is not a single perspective on immigration or ethnicity. Instead, using a variety of styles, visual forms, symbols and metaphors, each work provides a wide angle view into the bi-cultural experience. Some of the artists are first, second or third generation immigrants. Others, can trace their heritage back to the Native American Indians. In that sense, this non-literal exhibition on the American experience provides the viewer with ample room for conversation and personal interpretation. Some works directly approach the theme of identity while others delve on other subjects related to the American experience." - Sergio Gomez

Installation of  my piece "Gathering"; here a selection from a larger body of work comprised of about 100 ceramic vessels*

My here exhibited vessels are a fraction of larger body of work united under a single title "Gathering". These pieces are deeply rooted in my reminiscence of childhood, and the place of my hometown Vinkovci, in Croatia, where I used to spend weekends at my grandparents house. To me these vessels are both a connection to my childhood and homeland, as well as in a way, a recreation of the time past.

""Gathering" is a collection of over a hundred small vessels, incised with spontaneous marks and abstract drawings.  They were made as contemplative and intimate objects, to be held in the palm of a hand, and are deeply connected with my childhood. All of them were created after I moved to the United States, over a course of several years.

The city where I was born, Vinkovci, in Croatia, is rich with archeological findings. Many of these are richly engraved ceramic vessels from Vučedol culture, one that resided there from 3000-2200 BC.  Additionally, down the street from our house lived an old potter whose entire garden was covered with masterful and simple vessels. I remember often watching him work and procuring some clay to play with. My everyday exposure to these various ceramic objects – the ones I saw in the museum and the ones from down the street alike, created in me a sense of continuity, and connection with the soil.

Once I had moved to the United States, eleven years ago, these childhood memories started becoming more vivid and a sense of broken connection replaced the previous feelings of continuity and familiarity.
For me the act of creation of these small vessels, very primal and intimate, as well as the process of their accumulation, evokes my childhood, and is a reflection of an underlying search for reconstitution of what is familiar and comforting." - Ana Zanic