Melanie Sherman

"My art focuses on opulent surface embellishments, inspired by 18th-century European porcelain. I'm drawn to intricate enameling and lustrous finishes of Baroque, Renaissance, and Rococo designs, incorporating historical motifs seamlessly. The transmission of Eastern craft traditions to the West, with an unwavering emphasis on the handmade aspect, is of paramount significance."

Melanie is captivated by the intricate cultural interplay of porcelain trade since the 15th Century. She explores Jingdezhen, Arita, and Dresden's Zwinger palace, deepening her appreciation for cultural exchanges in ceramic arts. The transmission of Eastern craft traditions to the West holds paramount significance, fostering a continuous exchange of ideas among artists and artisans.

To bring these influences to life, Melanie employs traditional decorating techniques learned from skilled artisans in Jingdezhen, China, and Kecskemét, Hungary. These methods encompass various artistic applications, including blue and white painting, porcelain painting, flocking, gilding, gold luster, gold leaf, and gold powder.

Melanie Sherman, a German-born artist based in Kansas City, holds a BFA in ceramics. Influenced by graphic design, she merges ornamentation with a love for historic ceramics, drawing from 18th-century European porcelain. Her travels across China, Japan, and Europe fueled her appreciation for ceramics. Residencies in Hungary and China deepened her skills and cultural understanding.