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 William Mora, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, spent his formative years in Quebec, Canada, where he navigated the intricate blend of two distinct cultures. This unique upbringing serves as the cornerstone of his artistic expression, a fusion of influences stemming from his Colombian roots and Canadian upbringing. As a multidisciplinary artist based in Montréal (Tio’tia:ke), Mora delves primarily into ceramics and graphic arts, reflecting his ongoing exploration of cultural identity. A recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture and Ceramics from Concordia University, Mora is deeply engaged in unraveling the complexities of visual communication and its historical contexts through his research studio, Memory Land Studio.

Mora’s artistic journey has taken him across borders, participating in residencies in France and Canada, where he immersed himself in diverse artistic communities and expanded his creative horizons. His exhibitions, ranging from Paris to Mexico City, serve as platforms for his thought-provoking creations, such as Attaches Parisiennes pour Poignées de Porte at Villa Belleville and Annihilation at Galerie Laroche/Joncas. Through his participation in international art fairs like Material in Mexico City (2024) and local exhibitions such as Plural in Montréal (2023)  and Paradis et Liberté in Québec City (2022), Mora’s work bridges geographical divides, inviting viewers into a world of visual exploration and cultural dialogue.

    Grin Like a Chester Cat
2023Ceramic figurines and graphics for Memory Land Studio.
Montreal, Canada
2023
 
    Grin Like a Chester Cat
    Different Size
    Glazed Porcelain and Stoneware
    2023

Photo by Émilien Bilodeau
This project is inspired by the famous fictional tabby cat, the Cheshire Cat, who appears in Lewis Carroll's novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865). Specifically, it draws inspiration from the expression Grin like a Cheshire Cat.

There are numerous theories about the origin of this phrase in English history. One possible origin, favored by the people of Cheshire, a county in England known for its many dairy farms, is that the cats grin because of the abundance of milk and cream. This image of a smiling cat is at the heart of our project.

We have created a series of porcelain and stoneware figurines, as well as a collection of screen-printed t-shirt, based on this expression. These cat figurines come in various shapes and colors, but their distinctive and mischievous grin is always present and etched into the ceramics.

Known for its mischievous grin, this cat has become a symbol of mystery and enigma. Although often associated with the Alice universe, the image of the grinning Cheshire Cat existed long before the 1865 book.
This character transcends literature and has become entrenched in popular culture, appearing in various forms of media, from political cartoons to television, as well as in cross-disciplinary studies, from business to science. A distinctive feature of the Cheshire Cat, as described by Carroll, is its ability to gradually disappear, often leaving its smile as the last visible trace.

Drawing inspiration from this iconic figure, we sought to capture and immortalize this enigmatic grin in our ceramic creations and clothing designs. Each piece in our collection aims to reflect the magic and mystery of the Cheshire Cat while celebrating the tradition of craftsmanship and design.

-MLS.

LINK TO THE PROJECT /  MEMORY LAND STUDIO.
Photo by Émilien Bilodeau


William Mora is a freelance designer and visual artist based in Tio’tia:ke / Mooniyang / Montréal.