We recently connected with Ace Jorek and have shared our conversation below.

Ace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My most meaningful project has definitely been my recent Senior Capstone thesis. I graduated this December from undergrad with a BFA in ceramics, so this show is what I have been working towards for the past few years.
My relationship with gender and body dysmorphia is a topic that I struggle to express most times, but in my recent work I have branched out of my comfort zone and made it the main topic of discussion. These works have allowed me to have a space where I ask questions that don’t have answers. I explore these themes in a somewhat abstract fashion because these feelings are somewhat abstract in nature. As a 3D artist, it is satisfying to have my work exist in the world in a similar way that my own body does. Unresolved and unrelenting.

Ace, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a potter and sculptor who recently graduated from the University of West Georgia with a BFA in ceramics. Though I have been creating since I was a child, I did not initially plan to go to college for art. I first entered college as a psychology major, but soon realized that I wanted to pursue art.
I had never worked with clay until I took my first ceramics course, which I quickly fell in love with. I have been growing my skill in pottery for three years now, and I plan to continue in the field for a long time. I hope to have my own pottery studio in the near future!
Along with my pottery, I also enjoy working with metal, wood, and mixed media to create meaningful sculptures. My sketchbook is very important to me as I enjoy drawing and writing as well.
I explore unknown and challenging emotions through my art as a way to better understand myself and the world around me. I try to make my work relatable to the audience, without the personal meaning being too obvious. I do this by creating abstract visuals that mirror the human body and heavily focusing on the process of creating.
Along with my sculptures, I truly enjoy creating utilitarian pottery and vessels. I find the process of pottery very therapeutic. It allows me to create without exploring any confusing emotions or trying to figure myself out. Pottery offers me a space to connect with my body and the clay. I also love cooking, so it’s very rewarding to serve my food in a dish that I crafted!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To really support artists and a thriving creative community, we need to make the arts more accessible. That means more grants, affordable studio spaces, and residencies that aren’t just for people with the right connections.
It’s also about respecting the arts as real, valuable work and helping people understand the time, effort, and skill that go into it. On top of that, creating platforms to amplify diverse voices is key to keeping the creative world inclusive and exciting.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The best part of being an artist is having this outlet to express emotions, ideas, and experiences that are hard to put into words. Being able to take feelings or ideas and turn them into something visual that others can connect with is so powerful. Knowing that something I create might resonate with someone else—or even help them feel seen—is what makes it all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: acejorek_art

Image Credits

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