2021 Faculty Art Exhibition - Tracey Weiss

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TRACEY WEISS

Ceramic Fossil in a Plastic Bottle
Preserved #3, 2019
Ceramic and Plastic Bottle
4.5 x 3 x 3 inches

Ceramic Fossil in a Plastic Bottle
Preserved #1, 2019
Ceramic and Plastic Bottle
4.5 x 3 x 3 inches

Ceramic Fossil in a Plastic Bottle
Preserved #4, 2019
Ceramic and Plastic Bottle
8 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches


I am a mixed media artist, working primarily in ceramics and found object sculpture. While ceramics has always been my true love, I work with whatever medium best supports my message. I love the investigation and study of materials themselves, and find a fascination in the discovery of what could be used in art making. My work often deals with contemporary social issues, and most recently environmental issues. This field of study has brought me to work with found materials, specifically plastic, and incorporating it in with ceramic sculpture. I am hoping to shed a light on a very grim topic by theoretically fast-forwarding to a time when fossils of humans and animals of all kinds are imbedded with plastics. I am using PET plastic (plastic water and soda bottles) that I have found or collected. I am not only using these found materials as a conscious effort to be environmentally responsible, but also as a commentary on the plastic itself. (All bones are hand made ceramic, with found plastics).

Tracey Weiss holds an MFA degree in Studio Art from California State University, Los Angeles and a BFA in Spacial Art/Studio Art from California State University, San Jose. Weiss has taught at several colleges in Southern California over the past 20 years including California State University, Los Angeles, East Los Angeles College, Cypress College, and Cerritos College. As an exhibiting studio artist, she has shown in many local venues including the Torrance Art Museum, Manhattan Beach Art Center, Brand Library Gallery in Glendale, Art Share LA, and SoLA Gallery in Los Angeles.

Tracey Weiss began teaching at Cerritos College in 2005, including ART121 (3D Design), ART150 (Introduction to Ceramics), ART151 (Beginning Wheel Throwing), ART152 (Beginning Handbuilding), ART153 (Intermediate Wheel Throwing), and ART154 (Internediate Handbuilding).