Kasey Sorrell (also known as SORREAL ART) is an artist growing out of Durham, NC. She has a background in photography and collage work, but primarily works in clay as of 2022. Kasey finds inspiration from earths terrain, the deep ocean, and creatures of the earth, including humans. Her work embodies being, though abstract natural designs and expressive face jugs. She is currently a studio assistant at Liberty Arts Ceramics Studio and sells her work at local art markets.
artist statement:
In my ceramic work I attempt to embody the essence of being, using clay to sculpt expressive face jugs and surrealistic detailed nature forms. 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 @ Trust 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
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