About

Monica Hewryk is a ceramic artist and educator. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Central Connecticut State University with a concentration in ceramics in 2014. Monica was the Resident Potter at Guilford Art Center in 2016-2017. After the residency, Monica pursued a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics in 2021 from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. After many dedicated years to learning about ceramics, Monica now teaches at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Junkpot Studio, Farmington Valley Art Center, Wesleyan Potters and Southington Community Cultural Arts. She is also the University Assistant/ceramics technician at Central Connecticut State University. Monica maintains a private studio at home and continues to exhibit her work nationally. Monica’s work has received the Award of Excellence in Contemporary Clay 2022, and Juror’s Choice, in De/composition: National Juried Show in 2019.

Artist Statement

My recent focus has been on creating two different bodies of work. My work uses wheel thrown and hand building techniques to create a variety of forms out of clay.
In one body of work, I search to create movement within my ceramic sculptures through intricate cuts and fundamental planning. My ideas are derived from looking at traditional ceramic vessels and redesigning them in a way that pushes their structural integrity.
The second body of work focuses on my personal narrative about my emotions with time. The reality that time is fleeting is always on my mind. I intentionally destroy parts of the work to emphasize imperfection, inevitability and corrosion while leaving enough of the piece to portray memory, or the visual evidence of what used to be.
I’m intrigued by the investigation of control in creating form, endless surface finishes, and the use of contrasting colors and textures within my ceramic sculptures.