Nell hull

bio

Nell Hull began working with clay in college and was drawn to its subtlety and versatility. Art, and clay in particular, gave them a new way of seeing the world and themselves in it. It was when physically creating that they realized they were also free to create within. Their figurative sculptures focus on themes of living a double life as a nonbinary person and the dichotomy between experiencing the joy of self expression and the pushback caused by coming out in a world that isn’t welcoming.  

Nell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (2018) from Kansas State University and is a current Artist in Residence at KC Clay Guild. Alongside their studio practice, they teach hand-building and wheel throwing.

artist Statement

Growing up in a conservative family and being told every day that I was someone I am not led me to believe not only that my voice did not matter, but that I didn’t even have one. The first way I ever spoke out was through art. I fell in love with the secret and safe language of clay. It allowed me to tell myself who I am, a queer, nonbinary creative. In many ways, I believe my art will be the only way I will be able to communicate who I am to people who will never listen to my words.

My current work is about the pain of my deteriorating relationship with my family after my self-realization in contrast to the absolute and irrevocable pride of being myself and holding my own beliefs.  My coils are my ritual, they can affirm that I am just as ancient as this tradition. I know that I create who I am just as much as what I make, and I am allowed. My work is meant to portray the ways we innately transcend the limits of our physicality and use the expression of our innermost selves to push the boundaries of societal structures.