Title: "P.O.D.S: Primal Origins, Discovery, Serenity"

Artist: Carina Claassens

Medium: Stoneware, oxides, pigments, glaze

"P.O.D.S: Primal Origins, Discovery, Serenity" is a deeply personal collection of ceramic sculptures that transcend time and space, evoking a sense of primordial mystery, rebirth, and the haunting specter of humanity's potential extinction. Inspired by the intricate life cycles of caterpillars on land, each sculpture in this series represents a unique, enigmatic pod-like egg, formed from stoneware and imbued with the vibrant hues of oxides and pigments. These sculptures serve as a tribute to the resilient, ever-evolving spirit of life on Earth.

For the artist, "P.O.D.S" holds an additional layer of meaning, reflecting a lifelong struggle with depression. In moments of profound darkness and despair, the artist seeks solace in the idea of creating a safe, cocoon-like space, a sanctuary where the world can be temporarily shut out. This intimate connection with the concept of a cocoon underscores the sculptures' role as vessels of solace and transformation.

As visitors explore these pieces, they embark on a journey through the birth and evolution of life, akin to the miraculous transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Much like the formation of volcanic craters, where fertile landscapes emerge from the earth's fiery depths, these sculptures symbolize the duality of creation and destruction, of chaos and order.

"P.O.D.S: Primal Origins, Discovery, Serenity" is a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between existence and annihilation, not only on a universal scale but also within the human experience. It challenges us to contemplate the hidden potential within each of us and the precarious edge upon which humanity treads. Yet, it also whispers the age-old wisdom that long after humans have gone extinct, life will persist and flourish. Nature always finds a way, much like the caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly.

With its fusion of ancient craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression, this collection not only captures the essence of nature's creative force but also pays homage to the enduring resilience of life itself.

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