Connie Engelbrecht
August, 2008
Title of Show
Fragments of Nature
Medium
Sandcarved tile
First Friday Reception
Friday, August 1, 5:30 - 8 PM
Artist Statement
What, Why and How…. For more than 22 years I’ve been making art tiles by sandcarving images into porcelain tiles, hand-glazing, and firing to a temperature of more than 2,100 F. The body of work for this show is composed of “one-of-a-kind” pieces, each reflecting a variety of textures and geometric patterns of nature. I have the good fortune to live and work in the forest, which creates a very concrete connection for my work. Passionate gardeners surround me and also serve as an inspiration.
By trade, I’m a production artist and owner of Brecht Studio. We are a small studio producing a line of tile trivets, mugs, glassware, and ornaments sold throughout Alaska in fine gift shops, i.e. “Cabin Fever” of Anchorage.
So “Why” do I desire to create pieces for this show? The process in the simplest terms “feeds the soul”, and after all this time it’s still thrilling to peek into the kiln to see the results of a new design or glaze. It is always the challenge of creating new artwork that brings new knowledge and new possibilities.
My “How” begins with an original pen and ink drawing, which then becomes a photo stencil for sandblasting. Hand-glazing creates unique surfaces and piecing it together is never by design, but rather a spontaneous process. I use cedar to back the tiles, which adds another natural texture to the composition.
Artist Bio:
I arrived in Alaska in the early 1970’s to study at the University in Fairbanks. My professional career began in land planning for the State of Alaska, at that time I simultaneously received a M.S. degree in Natural Resource Management. My newly acquired knowledge provided me with confidence to start a second career in the growing tourism industry as a small business owner. Art classes at the University of Anchorage, along with trial and error throughout the years form the basis for a successful business. In recent years, (with kids presumably leaving home) I have pursued more challenging art projects including a commissioned piece for the One % Public Art in 2006-2007. For this project I completed two 8 foot x 48 foot mosaic murals for Eagle River High School. In addition, in 2007 one of my tile pieces was selected for the state juried Earth Fire and Fiber Exhibition.
I feel fortunate as I walk to work to the studio next to the house, nestled in the Eagle River Valley, that I still enjoy working at my job.
Additional Works
Contact the Artist
Artist E-mail/phone: , 696-1015