Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Meet Jennifer Maestre


"Seethe"

In her Artist Statement, Jennifer Maestre explains the origins of her work:

"My sculptures were originally inspired by the form and function of the sea urchin. The spines of the urchin, so dangerous yet beautiful, serve as an explicit warning against contact. The alluring texture of the spines draws the touch in spite of the possible consequences. The tension unveiled, we feel push and pull, desire and repulsion. The sections of pencils present aspects of sharp and smooth for two very different textural and aesthetic experiences. Paradox and surprise are integral in my choice of materials. Quantities of industrially manufactured objects are used to create flexible forms reminiscent of the organic shapes of animals and nature. Pencils are common objects, here, these anonymous objects become the structure. There is true a fragility to the sometimes brutal aspect of the sculptures, vulnerability that is belied by the fearsome texture."


"Urchins"

This amazing artist makes her own beads by cutting hundreds of colored pencils into short lengths.



She sharpens each piece, then drills a hole in the unsharpened end for stringing purposes. Finally, she weaves the little pencils together, painstakingly, to create her sculptures.


Jennifer at work

Her pieces are striking,


"Say Ah"
witty,


"Pencil Test"

and gorgeous.


"Ibentina"

Who says a bead has to be glass or plastic and have a hole in it when you buy it at the store? I'll be looking at items around me in a whole new way after seeing Jennifer's work!

Note: All images used in this post are the property of Jennifer Maestre and were used with her written permission. Please honor her copyright.

copyright 2011 Shibori Girl

13 comments:

Rosita P. said...

Amazing artistry.
Thank you for bringing this to us through your blog.

Oh Let There Be Food said...

Amazing work

Enchanted Beads said...

Thank you, Kate, for introducing to us this amazing artist.

Dee said...

How cool is that!! These are awesome...great work!!

Unknown said...

That is amazing, thank you for sharing.

Dawn N said...

WOW! Her work is amazing.

Gabriela Delworth - Instructional Designer said...

Hello Kate,

Thanks for visiting me. I have seen this artist's work before. She is amazing!



~ Gabriela ~

Unknown said...

Jennifer's work is so amazing, I hadn't seen more than a couple of examples before and would LOVE to see this work in person!

x..x

Marsha Wiest-Hines said...

I saw Jennifer's work first in "500 Beaded Objects" and have been a fan ever since. Just fantastic work. Thanks for sahring!

Enzie Shahmiri said...

I love the pencil bra ~ it just shouts hands off! LOL

rochambeau said...

Thank you for sharing Kate! I adore Jennifer's art. I've seen it before.
So unique and earthy and colorful. Just fabulous. Thanks for featuring her on your site.

xox
Constance

roseworksjewelry said...

I'd seen one of her pieces before - but never this many - thanks for sharing!

Fete et Fleur said...

WOW! Who knew you could do this with pencils?!

I've spent time catching up on your posts. You've been one busy lady. I'm excited about your professional photos and these challenges you will be taking part in. Courage is a great thing to gain. This is a wonderful word for your new year. I love it! Blessings dear, Kate!

xoxo
Nancy