Ceramic artist Mychelle Moritz is returning to Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture this September, revisiting an invasive species project she began during her first residency in March 2024.
Moritz’s project examines the many ways people approach the issue of invasive species—often “from a commodification” mindset. She reflects, “commodifying nature creates problems such as invasive species, and then we work to control the invasive species, which becomes a whole other problem in and of itself. It disturbs the possibility for ecological balance.”
“Since I started the project,[started in 2024] it’s changed. There are multiple layers to the issue, and they’re complexly interwoven,” she says. “This is one of the most complicated art projects I have embarked on, and it has gotten more complex the further I delve into it.”
Mychelle tended other projects since her 2024 residency, including explorations of clay clothing. One collection was a series of pieces that represented clothes inspired by stories of experiences in the queer community, and another collection was a series of aprons that speak to the role women play in maternal society and in the context of adoption. These are quite the departure from invasive species, but Mychelle appreciates the variety.
She will be leading a workshop on Sparking Creativity Through Material Exploration while at The Ranch. She says participants will have the opportunity to explore different art mediums including her specialty, clay. Mychelle says the class is particularly beneficial for those who may not feel like they are creative, or have been pigeonholed into one type of art, or someone who just wants something to spark a new artistic direction.
To learn more about Mychelle’s work, join us for an open studio along with fellow artists in residence Ebenezer Galluzzo and Beth Alvarado on September 18 (4–6 p.m.). Mark your calendar and welcome Mychelle back to PMRCAA, read more about her work and process here.
