Punctured Earth
Tessa Frame
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Punctured Earth is a collection of ceramic vessels that explores the relationship between ceramics, natural fibres, and raw materials. Driven by material exploration, this work explores how deeply fibres and clay can be integrated and pushed. Each vessel is wheel thrown using a variety of clay bodies, then embellished- or at times, engulfed- by natural fibres and plant matter. This project was driven by a desire to pivot away from my recent work (Fall 2025- shown below), which centered on themes of grief, loss and healing and instead, towards a more intuitive approach rooted in curiosity, material exploration and experimentation. It began as an intentional step towards lightness- both in palette and in process- focusing on aspects of making that feel generative and alive. Despite this shift, similar themes quietly emerged through the work. The act of puncturing the ceramic surface and later mending it with natural fibres echoed earlier exploration of rupture and repair. These gestures mirror experiences of grief and healing, though here they are expressed more subtly, through material interaction rather than more explicit narration. While grounded in material exploration, Punctured Earth reflects an ongoing dialogue with land, interconnectedness and renewal. Through bright colours, tactile contrast, and organic materials, this work considers healing not as a return, but as movement towards curiosity, lightness and new forms of engagement with the world.