Liza Ambriz

Headshot of Liza Ambriz

Honoring the Unintended

Thesis Statement

Invasive species can cause devastating effects on an ecosystem. They not only pose a threat to other species in the area, but also to the people that live there. However, many of these species were introduced to these ecosystems by human error. Non-native species must search for new habitats where they can survive. I can’t help but feel compassion for these animals. They’ve become the villain in a story that they did not choose to play a part in. It’s not their fault that they are there. My goal within my work is to bring awareness and respect for these animals who ultimately play a negative role in the ecosystem by no fault of their own. They’re animals who are just following their instincts after being displaced. Due to our selfish nature and thoughtlessness, we have sentenced them to an unfair death.I want to create a space to respect the memory of these animals even if they ultimately do need to be removed from their environments. In my series of hand-built ceramic wall ofrendas, I will focus mainly on invasive species that are brought about by human error. Altars and ofrendas are spaces of reverence, memory, and love. These are all emotions that, I believe, even invasive species are deserving of, and I intend to create work that is not only a space for compassion and empathy, but also one of awareness and education.

ceramic piece with snail carved on a flat piece framed by ceramic

Lissachatina fulica 1, Stoneware, Underglaze, Glaze, 11" x 9", 2024

ceramic piece of a bird with branches made with clay surrounding it Detail shot of Sturnus vulgaris, depicting the European Starling on a stoneware slab with a frame of branches made from stoneware clay, with Rutile Green glaze.

Sturnus vulgaris, Stoneware, Underglaze, Glaze, 13" x 16", 2024

ceramic piece of a frog surrounded by a frame made of clay Detail shot of Rhinella marina, depicting the Cane Toad on a stoneware slab with a frame of sugar cane and flies made from stoneware clay, with Rutile Green glaze.

Rhinella marina, Stoneware, Underglaze, Glaze, 11" x 12", 2024

ceramic piece of bird with clay-made branches

Passer domesticus 1, Stoneware, Underglaze, Glaze, 12" x 9", 2024

four piece ceramic set of an insect

Agrilus planipennis, Stoneware, Underglaze, Glaze, 10" x 12", 2024

ceramic piece of a snake and branches Detail shot of Python molurus bivittatus, depicting the Burmese Python on a stoneware slab surrounded by frame and shelf with thorns made with stoneware clay, glazed in Amber Celadon.

Python molurus bivittatus, Stoneware, Underglaze, Glaze, 12" x 20", 2024

ceramic piece of a crab Detail of Carcinus maenas 1, depicting the European Green Crab on a stoneware slab surrounded by frame with seashells made with stoneware clay, glazed in Seafoam Green.