In the Pop-Up Gallery

Dawn Ebbing
Crossed Paths
I make rough human forms because I’ve always been drawn to the way people are both beautiful
and imperfect. No two of us look alike, and no two of my sculptures ever turn out the same. Each one takes on its own personality as it comes together, sometimes awkward, sometimes graceful, but always unique.

This all started when I sat in on a figure drawing class. I tried making my own clay version of the model and that opened the door for me. From there, I began putting figures on wire, and suddenly they had movement. They bent and leaned and hung in ways that reminded me of how life pushes and pulls us along different paths.

I work mostly with ceramic and wire. I strip away things like hair, clothing, or other details so the figures feel more universal. Without all those layers, the viewer can bring their own story to what they see. That matters to me because I spent years in the beauty industry, where people are constantly pushed to meet unrealistic expectations. I want my work to challenge that, reminding us that we don’t have to measure ourselves against someone else’s idea of “perfect.” I don’t see myself as a functional potter. Making a hundred identical mugs or bowls just feels monotonous. For me, the meaning is in the sculptural act. Maybe it’s a figure that makes you pause, or a piece that raises a question. Each piece is a reminder that art, like life, is always evolving. The forms may change, but the search for meaning remains