Kasey Sorrell (also known as SORREAL ART) is an artist who was born, raised, and currently living in Durham, NC. They are a multi-disciplinary artist, working in photography, clay and paper (collage). Kaseys primary medium is in clay, creating decorative and vibrant functional wares and small sculptures. Most of their clay works are fired in an electric kiln, however, Kasey enjoys participating in any atmospheric firing (wood, soda, pit fire) opportunity that is available, as it connects them more deeply to the firing process. Kasey uses photography to document nature, celebrating the uniqueness of earth's diversity. Their work is inspired by abstract art, earth/ocean, and the intricacies of life. They are currently a studio assistant at Claymakers Community Studio and sells their work at Fusion Gallery (Durham, NC) and at local art markets.
artist statement:
In my ceramic work I attempt to embody the essence of being, using clay to sculpt surrealistic detailed nature forms and abstract functional ware. My goal is to create pieces that invite the viewer into a playful curiosity, either through emotive gestures or by shifting the state of a real being into something imaginative. Pieces stem from studying living things and aspects of those entities that may be overlooked. Throughout the years, I have taken inspiration from artists like Remedios Varo, Joan Miro, Picasso, and Penny Slinger. Surrealism plays with structures of the unconscious mind and the symbolisms that are occurring there. My art develops from a stream of consciousness process, inspired by studies of human psychology and the life/death cycle of living things.
My techniques involve surface decoration such as slip layering, selective glazing, and sgraffito to develop layers and a variety of color depth. Some of my favorite tools are those of texturing, altering wheel thrown pieces to distort forms, using natural materials to dig into greenware, and carving. I emphasize textures using oxides or patinas, leaving behind a raw clay body, which I often like to pair with a contrasting shiny glaze.
exhibitions:
ceramic exhibitions:
2023, Homegrown, Handmade: Durham, Women, Clay (Pop-up Gallery) - Durham, NC
2024, Durham Arts Guild, Swing into Spring Art Auction @ Trust Gallery - Durham, NC
2024, Moulding Mud (Group Show) @ Liberty Arts, Little Gallery - Durham, NC
2024, Durham Arts Guild Member Showcase @ Truist Gallery - Durham, NC
2024, 100 Cups: Ceramics Cup/Mug Showcase (Group Show) @ The Fuzzy Needle - Durham, NC
2024, Claymakers Annual Community Showcase (Group Show) @ Claymakers - Durham, NC
2024, TIC TAC Annual End of the Year Group Show @ The Peel Gallery- Carrboro, NC
2025, SOLO SHOW - Growths & Other Funkiness @ Fusion Gallery - Durham, NC
2025, Durham Arts Guild, Swing into Spring Art Auction @ Golden Belt - Durham, NC
2025, Durham Arts Guild Member Showcase @ Truist Gallery - Durham, NC
2025, Claymakers Annual Community Showcase (Group Show) @ Claymakers - Durham, NC
2025, a*peeling Annual End of the Year Group Show @ The Peel Gallery- Carrboro, NC
2026, Durham Arts Guild Member Showcase @ Truist Gallery - Durham, NC
photography exhibitions:
2024, Overgrowth (NC Photo Group Show) @ The Northside District- Chapel Hill, NC
2024, Carousel Slide Show (Group Show) @ The Peel Gallery - Carrboro, NC
IG: @kaseysorreal
sorrealart@gmail.com
Want to book a photo session, collaborate, or inquire about custom pottery? Feel free to shoot me an email or reach out on instagram <3