Torcida by Elena Rakochy , Glazed Stoneware Composed of Rounded, Flat and Hexagonal shaped elements juxtaposed with some twisted portions for a dynamic contrast. Artist Bio and Statement Elena Rakochy is a sculptor from Chicago, specializing in clay and drawing inspiration from nature and interpersonal connections. With a multicultural upbringing in Evanston, Illinois, she holds a BA in Spanish from Knox College and an MFA from Indiana State University. Currently, she oversees the Ceramics program at the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School. Beyond art, Elena enjoys Chicago sports, gardening, playing duplicate bridge, studying Catalan, and visiting Celrá, Spain. Her artist statement reflects on art as a medium to explore the influence of life’s various aspects on decision-making, emphasizing the organic nature of her work and its inspiration from connections with people and environments. She is intrigued by the role of relationships in shaping choices, seeing her sculptures as entities that interact with and influence their spaces, akin to the interplay between individuals and their surroundings.