Opening Reception: “Inheritance” by Jaden Estes Carlson

Join us at the Radial Arts Center on December 6th during Benson First Friday for the opening reception of “Inheritance” by artist Jaden Estes Carlson!

Jaden Estes Carlson’s ceramic sculptures use the interplay between the precision of mathematical patterns and the fluid, shifting nature of fabric to symbolize the rigid societal expectations imposed on women and the way these expectations transform in reality. Using hand-built terra cotta forms, Jaden evokes the textures and movements of fabric to delve into themes of generational trauma, inherited patterns, and the weight of these standards. Her work highlights the paradox of the domestic sphere—both a space of comfort and a site of historical confinement—through references to quilts, domestic fibers, and the overlooked art of “women’s work.” Richly textured surfaces and loose, patterns embody the intersection of pain and strength, capturing a sense of quiet defiance and inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty, burden, and resilience present in every mark and gesture of the clay.

About the Artist //
Born and raised in rural Nebraska, Jaden Estes Carlson earned her Bachelor of Art Education degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2020. She then relocated to Pennsylvania to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics at Edinboro University, graduating in the spring of 2023. Inspired by life’s growing pains and pleasures, Jaden uses hand-building techniques to bring her ceramic pieces to life. She is currently an art educator at a high school near the Omaha, NE metro area and serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. When she’s not creating art or teaching, Jaden loves traveling with her husband, Cody, and spending quality time with their dog, Remi, and cat, Amelia.

Opening Reception: Friday, December 6th, 6:00-9:00PM
On View: December 6th – January 4th, by appointment