Brock DeBoer’s newest sculptures turn some of the most recognizable objects in popular culture into highly sought-after porcelain collectibles. A cowboy boot, bullhorn, soccer ball, and flower-covered vase are recast with cobalt toile, Baroque ornament, and gold accents, while To Earth gives the artist’s signature payphone a weathered surface of rust-toned glaze and natural turquoise. Each piece is immediately recognizable, yet completely changed by its material and decoration.
That transformation requires remarkable precision. DeBoer creates highly detailed porcelain casts that preserve seams, buttons, panels, and subtle signs of wear, leaving little room for error as the material moves through forming, drying, glazing, and firing. Porcelain is prized for its beauty and permanence, but its demanding working characteristics make this level of accuracy especially difficult. The result is an object that retains the personality of its source while gaining the permanence of a contemporary heirloom.
These sculptures sit at the intersection of fine craft and collectible culture. Their appeal begins with recognition, but it is sustained by the surfaces, technical detail, and unexpected material shifts revealed up close. DeBoer preserves objects associated with use, fashion, sport, and nostalgia in porcelain, giving them a lasting presence far beyond the lifespan of the originals.
