Beth Cavener Stichter's (Hi-Fructose Vol. 26 cover artist) sculptures have an intensely-visceral quality. The ceramic animals she hand-builds demonstrate an human-like sense of understanding with their sensitive gazes and anthropomorphic eyes. But despite their thoughtful countenances, these characters are also perfectly at home in their animal skins. Cavener Stichter's work does not shy away from the brutality of the animal world, from its untamed sexuality to its endless cycle of predator and prey. Read more after the jump.