Ceramic Sculptures and Vessels by Alissa Van Atta

The Deconstructed Series is an exploration about the layers of ourselves we choose to reveal or not reveal to the world. Each of us are unique, full of experiences and emotions that are a part of what makes us special - the layers are representative of experiences of what made us individual. The Deconstructed Series began as an exploration and interest in collage and utilizing old sewing patterns that my late mother had used. The works reveal some stories, some patterns and plans, while others are obscured by another layer.

The layers are primarily created by the texture of the sewing patterns, paint cracks, and layering of the acrylic paints and inks and pencils. The goal is for the viewer to linger on the layers and be drawn in further into the stories and have the art resonate with their story. Revealing the elements, the layers - showing one’s true self is what is at the heart at Deconstructed.

The Fragile Structures Series centers upon playing with the concept that structures, such as organizations, companies, governments for example, that become too powerful at the top and do not have a stable, strong base, tend to fall and fail at that imbalance.

Her City began as a collision of ideas - the strength and resilience of the City (specifically New York City) and the need to act in some way to fight the regressive laws that came from the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision.
Resilience, determination and strength can be used to describe New York City and Women. Stepping into the vibrant streets of New York City fills me with a sense of strength and boundless possibilities. It was this very spark that led me to create the mixed media "Her City" collection, where the subject of women merges seamlessly with the dynamic cityscape. Women, resilient and iconic, find common ground with the city—a symbol of strength, adaptability, and self-reliance.
The "Her City" collection is an ode to the power and fortitude of women, showcasing them as strong as the cities they inhabit. Using a mix of cold wax and mixed media primarily on canvas, each artwork weaves together layers of tissue paper, photo images, and paint to create a mesmerizing visual tapestry. Here, women and the city merge into a harmonious celebration of femininity and urban vibrancy.

The Hinting at Ambiguity Series is about gesture, mark-making, and hinting at something more, left up to the viewer to fill in the rest. This series is heavily influenced by Abstract Expressionism and trying to make an intimate connection to the viewer.

Something Happened…. Then a pause full of possibility, then what follows can change everything.

This series marks a personal “happening” for me as this past year has been full of learning. These works are a change in medium from acrylic to oils as to signify the change and add volume to the works. My aim is something “happens” when the viewer experiences the texture and layers that tell a story left for the viewer to finish.