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WEB EXTRA: Artist Elissa Armstrong

Artist Elissa Armstrong at the Kemper Museum, standing next to deerdust, 2006.
Photo: Laura Spencer/KCUR
Artist Elissa Armstrong at the Kemper Museum, standing next to deerdust, 2006.

An exhibition at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art pushes the boundaries of ceramic art. Here, artist Elissa Armstrong talks about all i want (pictured at left), which she calls the antithesis of deerdust. By Laura Spencer

Kansas City, MO – Elissa Armstrong: Objects of Innocence and Experience at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
July 7 - October 1, 2006

ELISSA ARMSTRONG

Born 1972, Kingston, Ontario

Lives and works in Lawrence, Kansas

"In addition to using found objects that have been purchased at garage sales or thrift stores, Elissa Armstrong press molds her earthenware creatures from the types of commercial hobby molds that can be found at the local crafts superstores...Armstrong?s creatures are a perfect example of how visually and conceptually the grotesque can be ? we are captivated by their beguiling cuteness, sweetness or beauty. At the same time, we are repulsed by their abnormalities, deformations or ugliness." ? Elizabeth Dunbar, Curator.

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