By Amanda Rink, Editor
Clarion artist and teacher Madalyn Vorrie’s exhibit Intuition is on display at the Chadima Galley in the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio in Cedar Rapids through February 1. Through a series of evocative sculptures, Vorrie explores themes of grief, resilience, and the delicate balance of life.
The exhibit’s title reflects Vorrie’s instinctive approach to her craft, rooted in personal experiences and emotions. “Intuition was inspired by the intuitive process of how I create my clay alien-flower sculptures,” Vorrie shared. She works freely and adds elements without a rigid plan. Her sculptures evolve organically with spikes that represent protection, delicate ruffles, and textured elements showing nurturing.
Art as Healing and Reflection
Vorrie’s sculptures feature seedling-like forms in protective nests, which, to her, represent babies and the “nurturing and protective aspects of having a baby.” In some of the pieces she includes wire and crocheted yarn to represent closing a wound, conveying the overall message of vulnerability. “The danger and beauty aspects are represented in my textured pieces in my sculptures, such as the ruffles, spikes, tears, water, and hole textures,” she shared.
Central to the exhibit is the memory of Vorrie’s infant son, Jayce Thomas Vorrie, whose short life inspires the emotional depth of Intuition. One piece, titled IUGR, reflects her experiences with Intrauterine Growth Restriction, a condition that affected Jayce.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction, or IUGR, happens when fetal weight is below the 10th percentile for gestational age. It can lead to complex challenges for both the baby and the parent, often requiring intensive monitoring and sometimes early delivery.
In IUGR, Vorrie uses a cracked alien flower to convey feelings of entrapment and vulnerability. “Inside the flower, I crocheted a preemie baby hat and placed it within a golden wire cage,” she shared. To Vorrie, this represents the emotions surrounding IUGR.
Honoring and Educating Through Art
Vorrie hopes her work not only honors her “angel son’s” memory but also sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of pregnancy and infant loss. “I hope my artwork can bring light to these struggles and help others who have faced similar experiences,” she said.
Beyond the significance, Intuition reflects Vorrie’s roles as an artist and teacher. “Creating this exhibit allowed me to explore combining materials with ceramics to create deeper meaning,” she shared. “It also inspires me to show my students the importance of expressing emotions through art and seeking opportunities to share their work.”
Vorrie teaches her students to connect with their art on an emotional level. “I speak with students about how to communicate meaning through their work, even if they’re given what may seem like a simple prompt,” she said.
Visit Intuition
Intuition is on display at the Chadima Gallery in the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio (329 10th Ave SE, Suite 117, Cedar Rapids, IA) through February 1, 2025.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or supporting a local artist, Vorrie’s work offers an experience that lingers long after you leave the gallery.
