Montana-based ceramic sculptor Adrian Arleo crafts surreal figures and hybrid creatures. Toying with scale and texture, Arleo subverts the nature of familiar beings from our world. The result are works that inspire both awe and uncomfortability. The artist says that the themes at play in her pieces are numerous.
Although I studied painting and illustration in art school, my work in recent years has been focused on ceramic sculpture. I am intrigued by the figure and how it can express the complex world of human emotions. By tearing off the masks we choose to wear by our own nature, or those imposed on us by others or society, we begin to understand what it is to be human and how we are connected. This angel, above, tells the story of connection, to nature and the earth. The sun, moon, trees, fish and birds are carved in the clay before I bisque fire the piece. They symbolize her essence. I use a low fire clay body and a slab/coil method of construction. I am motivated by a desire to connect to a creative energy and to have a deeper experience within myself of being inspired (in spirit). Influenced by classical realism and surrealism, I like to re-interpret that era and apply it to the present, with a contemporary twist. I may embed found or recycled items into the piece to invoke a sense of wonder and mystery. With just a slight turn of the head or closed eye, the piece will convey a story. It may capture a feeling of whimsy or playfulness, or convey an inner world, one of wonder and mystery, or sadness and loss. Two people may look at the same piece and read different things into it. I like to keep it ambiguous in this way so as to open the imagination of the viewer, rather than telling the complete story. I was fortunate to travel abroad a lot growing up, as my father was a tour director, and I was amazed by the skill and beauty reflected in the works of art at the major museums. I think my imagination was inspired by these travels and how uniquely expressive the artwork reflected different cultures. My inspiration comes from everywhere really; music, literature, philosophy, science, quantum physics and nature, to name a few. I go in my studio each day to work, with music or an audio book playing in the background. Although, my starting point may be a sketch, I particularly like making a series of miniatures as they let me get into the flow. I like to step out of the way and become the observer. Interesting things can happen that way. The creative process takes over and I constantly surprise myself! My work can be seen in my Sarasota home studio by appointment, at one of the fine art events around the country where I exhibit, or at the galleries that carry my work. For a compete list of venues, please visit SuGriggsAllen.com. You can also connect with Su on Facebook. This is Week 29 of 52 Artists in 52 Weeks. Thank you for reading and sharing Su’s story today!
Her creations gives a glimpse into the lives and daily rituals of fairytale characters and their spirit animal companions.
sculpture femme grès cuisson raku engobée et émaillée Cette œuvre est une œuvre d'art originale unique - Sculpture par Armelle Colombier (France), Céramique sur Métal. Ses dimensions sont de 47x10 cm. La signature de l'artiste est présente sur l'oeuvre. Cette oeuvre fait partie de la galerie sculptures et masques.
Italian artist Willy Verginer creates dreamlike figurative wood sculptures. A 60-year-old Italian artist who lives and works in Ortisei BZ, South Tyrol, and whose works are located in numerous private and public collections, both Italian
' 'av' a swig me matey' - Michael Grafton Contemporary grotesque wares, edgy ceramics, confrontational clays, provocative porcelains all conjuring up a mud mayhem designed to command your attention. Challenging times can trigger artistic impulses where more audacious, uninhibited creativity seeks an outlet and the market readily responds. Disturbware that can be unnerving, sometimes humorous, maybe illuminating, possibly ugly or even brilliantly conceived and just so original you are taken aback by the level of creativity and innovation. Art pieces of protest that are deliberately antagonistic to make a poignant statement so the message gets through. Ground breaking art
Russell Wrankle, contemporary artist. Artaxis is an evolving independent source of peer-reviewed contemporary artwork in ceramics and sculpture.
I have been a ceramic artist for the last 14 years. I hope you like my work.
