Bradley Powers
BFA Ceramics and Art History Minor

Unfortunately, today, queer people and many others are at risk of losing the freedoms our predecessors have fought so hard for. Despite these frightening times, there is more queer representation in the media today than there was even just one decade ago. The positive impact that has on queer people, myself included, is indomitable. My work represents the duplicity of loving one’s queerness while also existing amongst a tumultuous political climate. Today’s reality for queer Americans is complex, and representation of this matters.

I am creating a series of ceramic vessels, with each piece representing a specific period of my life as a queer woman. Through the intimate and delicate process of pottery making, I cathartically explore my own personal growth throughout my childhood and current events to help other queer people feel seen and understood regarding their own experiences. My work shows how an existence that is often perceived as wrong or vulgar, can be beautiful, freeing, and joyful. I channel people such as Emily Dickinson, Chappell Roan, RuPaul, and the queer friends I am fortunate to have. I incorporate multimedia elements such as rhinestones, pearls, and disco tiles to embody the beauty and freedom of queer joy and illustrate how my queer role models have helped shape who I am.