Cj Jilek
Cj Jilek
Artist Biography: Cj Jilek is a studio artist and educator who has worked in the ceramic field for over 25 years. A faculty member at California State University San Bernardino, Chaffey College and Mt. San Antonio College, she holds an MFA from Utah State University. Besides an extensive exhibition record, Cj has taught ceramic workshops in Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and throughout the United States. Her ceramics career has transformed from wood fire utilitarian wares to mid-range biomorphic sculpture. The natural environment of plants, insects and creatures inspires Cj and informs her uniquely animated sculptures and signature surfaces.
Artist Statement: Inspired by the sensuality of the natural world, I use botanical forms as metaphors for human sexuality. Eliminating the presence of stems and leaves removes the physical context of the plants, allowing the view to focus on the form specifically in terms of its sexuality. The forms of the stamens and pistils create a visual language, making direct correlations between the botanical forms and the human body. These biomorphic forms are designed to lead the viewer to a subconscious association between nature and the human instinct of attraction. Through my work, I am questioning ideas of beauty, adaptation and desire.