Savannah Willis is second-year MFA candidate at East Carolina University. My ceramic practice challenges traditional narratives surrounding women in pottery through the creation of large-scale vessels that assert the space we deserve to occupy — physically, socially, and conceptually. These vessels go beyond their functional purpose, serving as symbols of autonomy and strength while rejecting the outdated notion of women as passive “vessels” defined by external expectations.

Inspired by both historical pottery and contemporary artists like Sasha Estrella and Tory Motyl, I create work that honors the women in my life whose guidance and resilience have shaped my journey. By incorporating interlocking motifs into my pots, I explore the connections that bind people while resisting the restrictive connotations often associated with chains. This balance of form and meaning allows me to reclaim the narrative of women in ceramics, transforming the medium into a platform for empowerment and self-expression.

I confront the gender biases that persist in the perception of ceramics as a male-dominated field, particularly in the creation of large vessels, through the deliberate scale of my work. My practice challenges sexist misconceptions, demands attention, and redefines the space women can occupy within the medium. My pots, intentionally empty yet capable of holding meaning, reflect the complexity and autonomy of women’s identities. By exploring diverse textures and integrating personal stories, my work speaks to the power of connection, celebrating the women who have inspired me while fostering a broader dialogue about women’s place and rights in art and society. My creative process continues to evolve as I focus on diversifying my inspirations and refining my themes to amplify the stories I aim to tell.