Olivia Gallenberger (they/she) received their Master of Fine Arts in sculpture and ceramics from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in 2023. She is currently the classroom manager at Dock 6 Pottery in St. Anthony, MN.'
She grew up in a small Wisconsin town living and working above her father’s bakery. This taught her the importance of working with ones hands. She watched the hands of her dad and grandpa cut and shape dough in their bakery. Eventually her hands learned to move the same way. Now, these gestures make things out of clay.
Things are the same as they were, but exist in a new reality. An alternate universe I am the first to explore. My body navigates the space with familiarity. Yet, there is an awkwardness. Something is slightly off and that is okay. The conversation between me and the clay is an intimate whispering. We greet each other with ease. Our embrace gives me hope. Our dialogue is unique. We love to talk about science fiction: Starships traveling home. Alien landscapes. Teleporting and transforming. Wormholes. Portals. Paths to somewhere “beyond”. I used to have these conversations in my head, but now I have someone to share it with.The clay listens and understands. It boldly goes with me to explore new constellations. Constellations have to exist in space. My work does the same.
oliviagallenberger@gmail.com
