DeRocchi's exhibit includes large scale ceramic and mixed media sculpture, described as "Ceramic animals, awesome in size and delicate in their detailed features." The Arts Center's materials explain her process this way: "DeRocchi builds her massive beasts from coils of clay, sculpting the surface as the animal grows. Through the raw wood constructed displays that the animals rest upon to the unfinished painted surfaces of the animals, DeRocchi references taxonomical research and the practice of recreating the exotic in natural history studies. Putting a twist on zoological dioramas of institutions like the Field Museum in Chicago, she explores the wonder and obsession we have with understanding our fellow species."
Pygmy Hippopotamus Bathing, ceramic, paint, graphite, wood, steel, foam, caster wheels, 6' x 4' x 3', 2010
Alanna DeRocchi has a BA and BFA from Western Illinois University in Macomb. She then did post-baccalaureate work at California State University in Long Beach and earned an MFA at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Her work has been exhibited from Macomb to Montana.
Animal Presence is sponsored by Peter and Susan Hood.
McLean County Arts Center
601 N. East Street
Bloomington
309-829-0011
Sending the artist husband, if he gets home in time. He just saw the show itself!
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