Gaze Vase is a series of sculptural ceramic vases, each with its own character. A vase is meant to hold something—but these vases hold emotions, stories, and lived experiences. I work with Alberta-sourced clay, shaping each piece through sectional throwing, where I stack and join three to four individually thrown sections. Their surfaces vary intentionally; some are coated in glazes I prepared myself, creating a glossy, reflective finish, while others remain raw and unglazed, emphasizing the natural texture and color of the clay.

At its core, this series explores the dynamics of seeing and being seen. Drawing from gaze theory, perception studies, and cultural adaptation, my work questions how visibility shapes identity. Migration is not just physical movement; it is also an emotional and psychological transformation.

Looking is never passive; it is an act of recognition and meaning-making. These vases do not exist merely to be observed—they return the gaze. Gaze Vase does not offer conclusions but instead creates a space for questioning, inviting the viewer to consider how perception influences both personal and collective identity.