The physicality of the body merges with the elemental properties of clay in Brie Ruais’ work. In her From Center series, Ruais starts with a mass of clay equal to her body weight (as she does in other series) and works from the center to push the clay outward. Marks made by her fingers, heels, and elbows are evidence of the intensely physical process as Ruais tests the physical and psychological limits of her body in relation to the material. Ruais’ work has been shown at galleries and institutions throughout the US, and her work is in the collections of the Dallas Museum of Art; the Pizzuti Collection; and the Burger Collection, Hong Kong.
