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Cristina Córdova

Cristina Códova (Born in 1976), is an American born, Puerto Rican sculptor who works and lives in Penland, North Carolina. She received her Masters of Fine Arts from New York State College of Ceramics. The human figure is key to her work which has been described as "a compelling strain of magical realism…laden with ideas of creation, crucifixion and difficult nature of existence." .

Biography

Córdova was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976. Her parents were completing their studies in Medicine at Harvard University. Her family returned to Puerto Rico when she was 6 months old. She grew up taking in the rich and layered imagery of the Catholic church. The powerful iconography would come to inspire her work and her view of the world. She graduated from the Academia del Perpetuo Socorro, Miramar, PR in 1994 and earned a Bachelor of Arts and a concentration in Fine arts from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus in 1998. During the summer of 1999 she finished courses at Touchtone School of Crafts at the NY State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in Farmington, PA. In the same summer she completed courses at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine. Later, she began studies as a special student in independent studies at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. She was supervised by Wayne Higby and Walter McConnell. She earned a scholarship to Alfred University for her master’s degree in ceramics in 2000. After graduating in 2002 she was selected to serve as a resident artist at Penland School of Crafts.

Her Work

In an article from the American Craft Arts Council,the editor, Joyce Lovelace stated quite well, that "Córdova doesn’t want to be labeled a Puerto Rican artist – or a woman artist, or any type of artist, other than a compelling one – she does believe authenticity can come only from a deeply personal place."

Córdova moved to Penland, North Carolina to participate in a residency in 2002. After completing her residency she and her family made their home and studio on the Penland campus. She works across from the Penland Gallery where she shares a studio with her husband, Pablo Soto, who is a glass artist. Her heritage sets certain edicts in the work as does her understanding of contemporary and historical influences. Her knowledge of early Roman and Ife African sculpture informs her figures which communicates an intensity that is hauntingly beautiful.As with many artist before her, she finds the art of others important.The work of Doug Jeck, Judy Fox, Jaime Suarez and Susana Espinosa have been significant to her development.

Animal like creatures sometimes share the stage with the human form,adding another layer to the psychological frame work. The old world sensibility of her figures become a part of modernity because they so well discuss the conversations about struggle in the world of today.Cordóva seamlessly weaves the past with the present as she creates a place for the viewer to complete the narrative in her work. Her work refers the viewer to the emotional as a sacred place where intensity is revered and honored.

Córdova Speaks about her work:

1. "We are all taking from a collective creativity."
2. "Making can be painful and frustrating,” Córdova explains, “especially at times when I feel confined to the context of my medium. I am often cast as a ceramic artist or as a craft person rather than a sculptor. One day, when I have more knowledge of other media – wood or metal casting – clay might not be so important. Right now it is a tool."
3. "I stopped trying to make a figure and project things on to it. Instead, I let the figure itself become the whole reality. I tried to make the figure abstract in that sense. However, it is figurative so the viewer can read it literally and stay there, but what I’m hoping is that every decision that has to do with that figure is tied to a concept that carries its own weight. And yes, these women are definitely tied to women I know. I am exploring my ‘Mitomemoria’, my own memory myths."

Education

• Alfred University, Alfred, NY, M.F.A. in Ceramics, 2002.
• Special Student at Alfred University, Alfred, NY, August 1999-May 2000.
• Colegio De Agricultura y Artes Mecanicas, B.A. magna cum laude, magna cum laude, Mayaguyez, Puerto Rico, June 1998.
• Extracurricular courses: Florence Academy of Art, Penland School of Crafts.
• Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, Maine, 1999.

Recognition

Project 10/10/10- Artist Commission,Permanent Collection,Mint Museum of Craft and Design, Charlotte , NC Virginia Groot Foundation Recognition Grant, 2010 Best Art Exhibit, Cristina Córdova at Hodges Taylor, Creative Loafing, Best of Charlotte A & E Critic's Picks, 2009 AICA Award (International Association of Art Critics / Puerto Rico Chapter), Best Ceramic Sculpture Exhibition for Hacia otro mar, Pamil Fine Art, Puerto Rico, 2008/Best Ceramic Sculpture Exhibition for Fábulas de la Fascinación II, Pamil Fine Art, Puerto Rico, 2007. NC Arts Council Fellowship Grant, 2004-05. American Craft Council Emerging Artist Grant, 2003. Liza Plaster Award, Lenoir Sculpture Show, Lenoir, NC, 2003.

Personal

Cristina Cordova and Pablo Soto have two daughters. They live in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Penland, North Carolina. She travels as often as she can to Puerto Rico and exhibits and teaches internationally.

References