Melina Mosland
Artwork’s Title: Human Egg
Materials Used: Polymer clay and silicone on ceramic red clay
Year: 2019
Studio Based: Athens
Art Verge
Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
Melina Mosland
I usually have a vague idea about what the final piece will look like. Then I write down the idea which is random looking words and a little rough sketch. I keep thinking about the idea until I find something that inspires me to begin. It could be anything from a broken piece of marble to a piece of garbage i find on the streets or an item I find in my house.
So I use that as a base and then I start building on to there with polymer clay. The Last thing to go on a sculpture is the silicone which is melted then cut into triangle pieces and in the end glued one by one on to the final piece.
How would you define your work in a few words (ideally in 3 words)?
Surreal, dreamy, figurative.
Would you use another three different words to describe the Human Egg sculpture?
Cute, creepy, funny.
How did you come up with this sculpture idea? Is there any story behind this sculpture ?
This piece is a part of a project called Bloom which explores the connection between the human body and vegetation. But as I said before I usually get inspired by random things I find. It was Easter time here in Greece and they were selling everywhere eggs, chickens, bunnies and stuff like that and immediately I thought to myself that I must make something with this egg. The first thing that came to my mind was a human egg.
What colour is used the most in this sculpture?
It’s beige – skin colored clay used for doll making.
What would be the best way to exhibit your work?
Because I work on series of drawing and sculptures at the same time, the pieces are in a way connected with each other so the best way would be all together, but I also love the fact that the meaning of an artwork changes each time depending on the way it is exhibited.
Can you mention any artists you, lately or generally, take inspiration from?
They are so many, but I would have to say David Altmejd and Tony Oursler are some of my favorite.
How do you know when this sculpture was finished?
The ceramic easter egg I used as a base was no longer visible.
What about the place where you work? What’s your studio space look like?
Right now my home is my studio Which is starting to get a little difficult because I am running out of space, but I hope I will be able to move to a proper studio soon.
Is there any particular message that you wish your viewers can take from this sculpture?
No particular message I Just want my art to create a feeling to the viewer that something can be awkwardly beautiful and creepy, familiar and unknown at the same time.
What does your mum think about your art?
My mum is also an artist but she never pursued it professionally so I think she is really happy and proud that I did.
Which exhibition did you visit last?
Some Days ago the opening of the ASFA Degree show and ”Still here tomorrow” at Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
Which are your plans for the near future?
Right now I am really excited to start preparing for the upcoming shows and starting to work on a bigger scale both for the paintings and the sculptures.
Additional Artworks:
Melina Mosland, Bloom Ladies, 70 x 100 cm, Graphite, ink and colored pencils on paper, 2018
All images are courtesy of the artist