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artist statement

SOBER UNSOBER
Santa Barbara, California  |  '25

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Photo by Lane Maddich

Ethan's ceramic practice, under the moniker Sober Unsober, is an exploration of the delicate balance between stark, sober forms and fantastically unsober forms. This duality is not only an aesthetic choice but also a reflection of Ethan's belief that true beauty lies within the nuance between simplicity and complexity, the superfluous and the spartan.

Guided by a lifelong tendency to navigate the world through touch, Ethan's creative process is an intimate, tactile journey. His early inclination to understand the world through touch has remained central to his artistic expression, as he explores form, balance, and texture in his ceramics.

The concept of Sober Unsober emerged as an intentional departure from Ethan's given name, granting him the freedom to delve into the interplay of balance and form without the constraints of a fixed identity. This duality is not only present in his ceramic pieces but also mirrors his belief in finding harmony between contrasting elements in life.

Ethan's creative process begins with a sketch, where he captures the essence of balance through meticulously drawn silhouettes. The initial sketch evolves into a section drawing, revealing the intricate interplay of solid and void within each piece. This meticulous process enables him to experiment with construction techniques and textures and explore the serendipitous discoveries that bring his visions to life.

Through his ceramic practice, Ethan invites viewers to embark on a journey of exploration, curiosity, and wonder. He encourages us to seek balance between the simple and the complex, the sober and the unsober, and ultimately embrace the beauty found at the intersection of these seemingly contradictory worlds.

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Contact

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For all general inquiries, commissions, or new business, please feel free to introduce yourself :)
 
mail - soberunsober@gmail.com
insta - @ethnzmrks

2025 © Sober Unsober
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