When you paint paper and then form it into sculptures on wood armatures is that painting or sculpture? Does it matter? Is it both? Such is the questions that came up when I saw the works of Lauren Clay that I love most. The below, to me, made in that very way, looks like a swatch of hide from some cartoon character!
I love the ombre pattern and the irregularity of the lengths of the strips and yet their curved ends. Each of these variations takes so much care and effort. Lauren got her BFA at the Savannah College of Art and Design and her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University.
The above work, “Imperishable Wreath” looks like it’s on fire – what a great installation. I bet my friend Charlotte would love this, the colors are awesome and so unexpected – just when you get into the pink there are greens, teals, reds, yellows…
I mean – these pieces are so crazy – I absolutely love them. This is nearly three feel long! I grew up with an old beaded native american decorative item in our TV room that looked just like this except that the above reminds me of it as some space age / Tron version.
This one incorporates foam and plastic – I’m not sure where. The paint Lauren uses is acrylic but it almost looks glossier than acrylics I have in my cupboard. I love that this one looks like it’s exploding off the wall, wet, and uncontrolled.
Tags: inspired by nature, painting, sculpture, wall art, wood