A Radically Ordinary Act of Eating Together
Project Statement
Just as the ephemeral nature of flowers lasts for only a moment, the experience of gathering together is transient, leaving an indelible mark on every person. This social sculpture creates a haven for people amid the busyness of daily life, presenting an opportunity for guests to be fully present and engaged with the people around them, united around the ordinary act of eating. It serves an act of resistance to the modern cultural norms of efficiency and production in today’s fast-paced society. By engaging this seemingly ordinary act with care and intention, I extend an invitation to both friends and strangers, offering a taste of community and belonging amidst a culture clouded by a sense of loneliness and isolation.
Through cultivating commensality—the practice of eating together—I invite people to gather around the table to partake in the warmth and intimacy of communal engagement and conviviality. Like a warm blanket on a cold day, the act of eating food together is a timeless, universally-shared need. It is a common thread transcending mere nourishment, becoming a beautiful exchange of shared experiences and conversation—a balm for the soul.
The focus of my work is not the handmade ceramics, curated table settings, or the presentation of food. All of these elements serve to fulfill a radical gesture of hospitality in extending an invitation with love to the most important focus of my art practice… people.
Artist Bio
Jessica Joner, a resident of the Pacific Northwest, is currently pursuing her MFA in Visual Studies at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Her practice is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach encompassing ceramics, painting, textiles, and photography--all of which she integrates into her socially-engaged art practice. She draws inspiration from her personal life journey, infusing her work with themes of community, interpersonal connection, familial relationships, and the importance of intentional social gatherings centered around commensality. Through her art she endeavors to foster genuine connections, spark meaningful conversations, and cultivate a sense of belonging in a world often characterized by disconnect.
