American artist Kathy Ruttenberg unfolds a tale in fired clay like an elaborate children's book, an enchanted tale of dogs, birds, goats, rabbits, deers and more. The female figure plays a dominant role in the narrative. The characters often appear to be adaptations of classic goddess motifs, such as Ubasti, the Egyptian cat-headed goddess of love an joy. In addition to multifaceted subject matter and symbolic metaphor Ruttenberg's sculptures are nuanced by various materials and textures. Metal, glass, fabric and wire are layered within each work creating an extension of expression, but it's her glazing techniques that truly cement the pieces as works of art.
" My work is an expression of inner landscapes fueled by a need to understand, explore and excavate. The subject matter is personal and universal as I strive to find the humanity in the absurd, and search to express the elements of profound emotional states that twist us inside and often put us in unpredictable situations. The tools for my work are fire, earth and emotions, this mix makes an interesting cocktail of allegory and symbolism with an odd twist of nature...."
Who Decides, 2010
Overgrown, 2010
Bird of Paradise, 2009
Confessions of a Tree, 2009
Grounded, 2009
Lighthead, 2009
Say Cheese, 2009
" My work is an expression of inner landscapes fueled by a need to understand, explore and excavate. The subject matter is personal and universal as I strive to find the humanity in the absurd, and search to express the elements of profound emotional states that twist us inside and often put us in unpredictable situations. The tools for my work are fire, earth and emotions, this mix makes an interesting cocktail of allegory and symbolism with an odd twist of nature...."
I will be naked in the Fall, 2010
I Can Feel Myself, 2010
Who Decides, 2010
Overgrown, 2010
Bird of Paradise, 2009
Confessions of a Tree, 2009
Grounded, 2009
Lighthead, 2009
Say Cheese, 2009
Courtesy Kathy Ruttenberg
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