Live Sculpting in Baltimore
Jani Hileman engaged in a three-year project during her residency at Creative Alliance (2018-2021) to document the Baltimore music scene by sculpting ceramic portraits of musicians during live performances. The project was shown at Creative Alliance from September 2nd - October 2nd 2022 in the Main Gallery.
Artist Statement:
Live Sculpting in Baltimore was born of close proximity to music in the creative crossroads of Creative Alliance, and Hileman’s desire to collaborate, celebrate and document the Baltimore Music Scene and musicians.
These sculptures were made during collaborative performances and serve as evidence of the incredible breadth and spirit of the musical community. By sculpting live Hileman is bringing her studio out into public spaces, combining sculpture with performance, connecting with the local community and collaborating with hundreds of other artists. She is celebrating and engaging with the Baltimore music scene through clay, making a unique document of the city at this time.
All portraits are made of clay and woodfired locally at Baltimore Clayworks during Hileman’s term as the wood kiln assistant. Woodfiring is a process unique to ceramics, in which the kiln is fired by hand for over 24-36 hours with a crew of other artists. This process allows flame and heat to surface each unique piece with wood ash, minerals and salt.
Selected Portraits:
See short making-of videos of some portraits on
Venues Jani visited during the project:
Bertha’s Mussels, Le Mondo, Waverly Brewing Co, Black Cherry Puppet Theater, Mobtown Ballroom, Creative Alliance, Waterfront Hotel, Cat’s Eye Pub, 1919, Light City, North Ave Market, Terra Cafe, Union Collective, Function Co Work, Laughing Pint, Baltimore Clayworks, Five & Dime Alehouse, Baltimore Center Stage, The Crown, Upperco Music Festival, Zissimos, WTMD 1st Thursdays, Dundalk Heritage Park, Friends of Patterson Park Pagoda Concerts, Reverb, Ottobar, Church on the Square, De Kleine Duivel, Nori, Trinacria Cafe, Andie Music, The Avenue, and The Rye Bar.
Live Sculpting in Baltimore Show Video with making-of clips from the project of Jani Hileman live sculpting musicians around Baltimore in various venues. Filmed by Joseph Hyde of Art to Image.