The title of Archer senior Grace Kerner’s April 11 senior show, “A Simple Love,” was inspired by Kerner’s passion for the art of ceramics. She has been working with clay for over 10 years.

“I called [the show] ‘A Simple Love’ because I simply love ceramics,” Kerner said. “I’ve been doing [ceramics] since I was in first grade, sculpting, and then I’ve been doing the wheel since I was in third grade. It’s something I love and it’s as simple as that.”

Kerner’s work, painted primarily black, gold and white, garnered awards. She said the central sculpture, which depicted a woman with golden hair and wings, was particularly “special” to Kerner as she recently entered the piece in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, a “recognition program for creative teens.” The sculpture won a Regional Gold award as well as a National Silver Medal in the 2019 awards. Kerner also submitted the sculpture to The Museum of Contemporary Art’s [MOCA] teen recognition program to which the piece was accepted and will be on display at MOCA on April 26.

Kerner’s Archer ceramics teacher, Olivia Moon, said she did not have to “push” Kerner during the process of creating the work for the show, noting that Kerner can make many pieces in one class.

“She has all the inspiration in her; she has all the imagination and ideas. She just had to bring it out,” Moon said. “Whenever she is in the studio, she just sits and makes things in one sitting. It’s so amazing she can make that happen in one class.”

Kerner describes the process of creating her work as “funny” in contrast to other artists because she does not use a sketchbook to plan her ideas ahead of time.

“I never like any of the bowls I make,” Kerner said. “So, I just put a hunk of clay [on the wheel] and I just make something that goes along with the bowl and it just is whatever comes to my head at that moment.”

Archer Student Support Coordinator Jennifer Dohr came to view Kerner’s senior show and referred to Kerner’s award-winning MOCA piece as “sad” and “hopeful.” 

“There is such integrity in Grace’s work. There is such humanity and emotion,” Dohr said. “I am overwhelmed once again by the incredible work of our Archer girls.”

Fellow senior Zoe Applebaum-Schwartz was “excited” and “proud” about with her friend’s showcase.

“I am very impressed by the combination of mediums like the clay and the wax and the clay and metallic,” Applebaum Schwartz said. “I am really impressed with Grace and her innovation.”

In her artist statement, Kerner said she wanted to showcase art that is “imperfect and beautiful.”

“‘A Simple Love’ has helped me realize [the pieces’] artistry and elegance, ” Kerner wrote about her pieces. “I hope it will reveal the same to everyone who sees it. ”