Laura Zawodna
Brigidine College St Ives
SHE IS NOT FRAGILE
Sculpture
Magma glaze on buff raku trachyte (BRT) clay
My body of work analyses the paradox of strength and fragility within the female experience. My biomorphic ceramic sculptures represent femininity as a powerful symbol of both fortitude and vulnerability. Using hand-building techniques, I reference forms of female anatomy to convey emotional resilience and endurance in the face of societal conventions. The textured surface created by magma glaze illustrates the diverse nature of the collective female experience as well as the charm of imperfection. My intention was to challenge traditional ideals of beauty and highlight the silent strength implicit in femininity.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Henry Moore, Jenny Saville.
Marker's Commentary
She is Not Fragile demonstrates a confident and conceptually informed exploration of abstract sculpture as an expressive form, communicating complex ideas surrounding femininity, strength and vulnerability. The three biomorphic ceramic forms are highly resolved and abstract the female body in a way that moves beyond literal representation. Evoking material as metaphor, the impervious nature of the material adds to the conceptual reading of the work as referenced by the title. The work's inherent fragility contrasts with the structural solidity of the forms, effectively reinforcing the central paradox of resilience and delicacy.
The application of magma glaze introduces a dynamic, textured surface that suggests imperfection, transformation and individuality, aligning with the artist’s intention to challenge idealised notions of female beauty. Material qualities are thoughtfully manipulated to communicate conceptual intent, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of sculptural practice. The influence of Henry Moore and Jenny Saville is evident in the tension between mass and form, while remaining distinctly resolved in its own direction. The work also pays homage to the Venus of Willendorf in their shared symbolism and embodied experience, emphasising the enduring representation of femininity as both powerful and elemental across time. Overall, the work presents a cohesive and articulate investigation, engaging both the physical and conceptual properties of sculpture at a high standard.
ARTEXPRESS Virtual 2026
Marker commentary 2