Karla Montano
Carousel Skirt, 2021
Clay, underglaze, crackle glaze, hoop, and string
28 x 30 x 28 inches
When it comes to art, I am drawn to weird and colorful things. Weird, meaning abstract artwork, non-traditional styles of painting, and unconventional mediums. In my own work, I like to create representational objects that convey deeper meanings but also have a feeling of positivity, like clay casts of multi-skin-toned eggs, or a peach being caressed by a ‘hand’. But during this pandemic, I felt hopeless. So I wanted to make something that reminded me of my childhood when I was full of hope.
I decided to make a skirt with a circus tent top and carousel horses dangling down from the hem because I wanted to spark a feeling of nostalgia and magic. I also wanted to present it as a wearable piece of art because, during quarantine, I fell in love with fashion and I wanted to connect this artwork to my newest artistic obsession. I also took dance at Crossroads my freshman year and I can picture a ballerina wearing this beautiful carousel skirt dancing to classical music. This seemed like an interesting way to convey the idea of childhood and connecting to one’s past. I am making this piece as a senior in high school, afraid of growing up and becoming an adult. When you see this, I hope to spark a memory of your childhood. A moment when you were hopeful, happy, naive, and stress free.
Click images to enlarge.
