"Sky Bird (with necklace)"

Alexandra Catalina, "Sky Bird (with necklace)", ceramic, vitreous enamel on copper, quartz crystal beads, sterling silver; dimensions variable

Alexandra Catalina uses traditional silversmithing techniques combined with hand-building in clay to make her sculptures. A native of the southwest U.S, she is inspired by the deep craft and art legacy of this region and aims to distill the natural and cultural landscape of her home into reverent, devotional forms.

As the daughter of a potter, Alexandra grew up creating in clay, assisting in the clay studio, and selling her family’s pottery at craft fairs. Later, she trained as a silversmith and enamellist and spent 10 years making and selling one-of-a-kind art jewelry.

Her ceramic sculpture incorporates jewelry-like elements, often dripping with vitreous enamel pieces and clay beads, or actual jewelry that can be removed from the sculpture and worn.

Alexandra considers her work spiritual art. She envisions non-denominational temples of the future centered in worship and meditation on the elements of nature and unity of all being. What kind of devotional art would be needed in such a temple? What rituals and ritual items would worshipers use?