EX NIHILO (2020)

This project explores the ceramic process as a metaphor for depression. Drawing from my own experience, this project captures the parallels between making ceramic pieces and living with depression. It shows the rises and falls of depressive episodes by showing the methodical processes involved in ceramic art, including the inevitable collapses, cracks, and breaks of ceramic pieces. Through repetition of images, manipulation of images, and prolonged shooting in the same location, this project captures the repetitive and dull nature of life with depression. The title, “EX NIHILO,” is a latin phrase meaning ‘out of nothing,’ referencing the way clay is made from ‘nothing’ (dirt and water) and can be built into beautiful ceramic art. Depressive episodes similarly sometimes appear from nowhere, and they can also make you feel like you are nothing.