In a recent interview on ABC Radio Australia, ceramic artist Sequoia Tangerine Kimball, whose grandmother hails from Ngkeklau, Ngaraard, discussed her artistic journey and how she uses the ancient craft of pottery to connect with her Pacific heritage and honor the legacy of her ancestors.
Speaking with Michael Chow, Kimball revealed how her work draws inspiration from her grandmother’s cultural roots and her own path of self-discovery.
Kimball, now based in Tarzana, California, began exploring ceramics in her childhood and delved deeper into the craft during her college years. She finds a deep connection between ceramics and anthropology, particularly the lasting impact of human creation and touch on clay.
Her grandmother significantly shaped her identity and artistic focus. Kimball recounted her grandmother’s migration from Palau to the United States in the 1960s to pursue a career in nursing, and their final moments together before her grandmother’s passing. This loss fueled Kimball’s commitment to ceramics, leading her to create pieces that embody her family’s stories and Palauan culture.
Kimball’s work features a variety of traditional Palauan narratives, including the egg-laying cycle of turtles, reef spearing, and the legendary upside-down shark tale. These intricate designs are meticulously carved into her ceramics, preserving her heritage and immortalizing the cultural narratives of her people.
When asked about her grandmother’s potential reaction to her work, Kimball expressed her belief that her grandmother’s presence continues to guide her artistic process, adding a profound layer of intimacy to her craft. She also offered words of encouragement to young Pacific Islanders seeking to explore their heritage through art: “Embrace your authentic self, create whatever you want. It doesn’t have to conform to conventional standards of beauty.”
The interview underscored Kimball’s unique approach to ceramics and her dedication to weaving her Pacific heritage into her art. As she continues to create and share her work on Instagram as @bittyclayfish, Kimball remains committed to celebrating her Palauan roots and amplifying her family’s stories for future generations.