The exhibition is called “Becoming Whole Again.” Ten years ago, I embarked on a self-discovery journey that has led me to approach life in a more holistic way. I used to live sick most of the time. I had four surgeries in less than three years. I was studying for my MBA, and all that mattered to me was the professional aspect of my life. I wasn’t happy, nor healthy, not conscious of my body, thoughts, and emotions. At that time, a close friend invited me to a workshop that combined meditation and what psychologists call “Shadow Work.” Much later, after the workshop ended, all started to make sense, but it was only the tip of the iceberg. I realized my body was telling me something I could not decipher then. Since then, I have begun studying, researching, and participating in trauma-informed workshops, somatic and psychological approaches, physical examinations, and spiritual paths. I acknowledged the importance of the mind-emotion-body-spirit connection. My health improved 100%. Rare are my visits to the doctor beyond the regular examinations. My priorities changed, my career path changed, and my relationship with myself and others changed, and although I know there is still a long way to recover all the fragments my psyche left alone during my life, I am certain I am on the right path. My body is a magnificent instrument that, when I am aware of it, always tells me what’s wrong or right; therefore, I truly believe in an embodied spirituality that includes all aspects of human life without denying any, and that is what I hope my art reflects, our aspiration to become whole again, a paradox that most profoundly means we have never been broken. Still, we need to put together and align all our facets with our most profound truth, to have a coherent and meaningful experience of our lives.

Ceramics, for me, represent the alchemy of transforming something raw and dull into a beautiful piece of art which is a metaphor for how we transform our shortcomings into fuel for our self-discovery journey.

“Becoming Whole Again” is a collection inspired by vessels as an analogy to the human being, which is also a container for thoughts and emotions. The artwork, coupled with loops as ornaments and halo-like details, represents the self-realization, happiness, peace, and completeness we aspire to. The creative process seeks to give the pieces a sacred or ceremonial quality that resembles our personal journey as something holy in a broader and holistic view of human life.

BIO
Mexican-born and Michigan-based ceramics artist, Cristina Joya, has been honing her skills in pottery since 2019. Originally an award winner Graphic Designer, Cristina blended her design skills with her passion for ceramics and self-discovery. Inspired by studies and teachings of renowned physicians, therapists, and spiritual leaders, she draws her creative power from realizing the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection.
Her work has been exhibited at local galleries such as the Janice Charach, Pontiac Creative Art Center, Oakland Community College, The Community House at Birmingham, and the University of Michigan.