Philosophy
My work explores connections of forced migration, labor, and narrative. I am always investigating how the process and material of clay holds meaning for myself and others. I am interested in the archival of histories including written script and text, digital images that connect us to a place and time, and healing via the spiritual and ritual practice of making objects that communicate a narrative.
I believe that creativity comes from within, it manifest itself in various ways. There are many metaphors for life fond in the studio, within the memory of the clay, within the energy that I focus to create works of art that educate, inspire, and bring joy to the hearts of others.
BIO
Tia Santana is a interdisciplinary artist and educator. Santana earned BFA from Moore College of Art and Design located in Philadelphia PA, and a MFA from the University of Delaware located in Newark, Delaware. Santana currently lectures at The University of Los Angeles, California State Long Beach, and Santa Monica College. Santana’s research explores the contributions of enslaved and free craft persons of the Antebellum era. Santana’s interest also includes the connections to labor of both the transatlantic and transpacific migrations to the western world.
Santana engages community through the narrative of arts, healing, and educational practice. Ceramics is such a vast medium There are so many ways to engage and explore the material. Many of the vessels Santana creates often begin at the wheel. Santana works with both hand-building and wheel applications, with a focus on building with coils. The combination of tiny vessels, and life-sized vessels investigates the fique and its connection to labor.
Santana creates both utilitarian and sculptural ware. Installation and bodies of work are inspired largley by the narratives of Black voices past and present. The forms archive the history of her body and create a visual narrative of process. Santana is interested in the DNA of trauma and how it is present with the system of memory both lived and reimagined.
Recent Research and Residencies
2023, UCLA Faculty Grant, Boston MA, “Hear Me Now Exhibition”
2023, Winterthur Maker Residency, New Castle County, DE