While most ceramic artists work their way up, constructing their pieces from raw clay, Zemer Peled goes the other way around. Her work—sculptures that take after organic forms and natural shapes—is made of thousands of broken porcelain shards. The shards (a colorful mishmash), are broken by Peled herself, highlighting the process of deconstruction and reconstruction that goes behind each piece.
Born and raised in Israel, Peled earned her MA at the Royal College of Art (UK) and has since exhibited her unique creations both locally and internationally at venues like Sotheby’s, Saatchi Gallery (London), and the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City). Her work is also found in many private collections around the world and museum collections, such as the Fuller Craft Museum, the Crocker Art Museum, and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation.
“I’m constantly inspired by nature, traveling, and hiking,” relayed the artist in an interview with Sarah K. Benning. “I love gardens, national parks, and taking in huge landscapes—Joshua Tree is my favorite place I found this past year.” According to Peled, she’s especially fond of botanical gardens, where she can find a rich variety of plants to draw inspiration from.
But with traveling now strictly prohibited, Peled also seeks inspiration online. “The internet is an incredible tool for artists,” she notes. “Especially with things like Instagram because it’s so visual. Through it I’ve been able to meet new people and get to see and learn about so many new artists.” She also follows Instagram accounts of archaeologists, scientists, and national parks.
Recent projects include artistic representations of the coronavirus, using Porcelain. Scroll down to see more of her work.
