Brian Sarama

BIo

Brian Sarama graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics and Raw Materials from The Cleveland Institute of Art in 2009. He then earned his Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Kent State University in 2012. Currently, he teaches Ceramics at Cuyahoga Community College’s Eastern Campus in Cleveland, OH, where he also serves as the Ceramics Lab Technician. Brian's work is featured in Lark Books' "500 Prints on Clay" and "500 Teapots Vol. 2." Most recently, he received Best in Show for "Raise a Toast! II" at the Edwardsville Art Center in 2022

Artist Statement

My current body of work strives to shed light on a deeply personal narrative encompassing the challenges associated with body image, obesity, and a profound admiration for enticing consumables. This thematic exploration, though rooted in the realm of personal experience, assumes a larger cultural significance, aligning itself with broader discourses on food culture and consumerism. Employing a sculptural medium, my works are a deliberate commentary on the pervasive influence of excessive foods, which not only occupy but also serve to isolate us from healthier lifestyles.

Within this oeuvre, the playful compositions, intricate illustrative designs, and deliberately chosen artificial color palettes collectively beckon the viewer to engage in an immediate experience of joy. Despite the seemingly light-hearted approach, a deeper examination reveals the deceptive nature of these highly addictive, high-calorie snacks. Through my artistic expression, I seek to draw attention to the potential overthrow of our innate desires, as the allure of such indulgences gradually places our voracity for consumption above the imperative of maintaining our health.

My functional works, in particular, respond to the visually captivating packaging of these convenience foods. By encapsulating the essence of their aesthetic appeal, I aim to provoke contemplation on the profound impact of design in seducing the viewer into a state of consumption. The overall aesthetic of my creations, characterized by intense vibrations and dynamic movements, serves as a deliberate enticement that mirrors the allure inherent in the act of consumption itself. In this manner, my artistic practice becomes a scholarly inquiry into the intricate interplay between design, desire, and the consequences of indulgence within the larger socio-cultural context.

Exhibitions