Artist Statement

Sculpting in clay allows me to create something inanimate that feels like it is endowed with life and spirit. I can capture a moment in time, a snapshot that suspends that life force in a moment and to present it in 3D with line, weight, and form while articulating its body with gesture and purpose and expression.

I sculpt animals due to the way they connect with my audience. In an instant they can draw viewers in for a closer look. With just a glance, the sculpture’s expression can bring an audible reaction. Animals can instantly connect to the core of an emotion or memory. Using an approachable subject allows me to explore inner human states of being in connnedtion to another, both dark and light, fragile and strong, accepted and excluded. I am inspired by the honesty of animal’s interactions with us—their sense of humor, use of play, and sense of kinship. I see a soul, a spirit, a personality—living with a blend of interconnectedness to us and their own biological programming. Just like humans, animals developed flight, fight, freeze, and other programmed responses that are built into our DNA.

My work is evolving to capture the small intricacies of expression—what we see when we look into the eyes, creating tension in the body—while pushing to add more gesture and movement into the work. Capturing the correct anatomy, musculature, and believable kinesthetic attributes are important to me, along with conveying the inner feeling I am attempting to allow the viewer sink into, for just a moment.

I began making animal sculpture while taking classes in sculpture at Northern Clay Center. Then I began studying with Sculptor Beth Cavener in Helena Montana at Studio 740. I took a two week intensive training course with her, completed a 15 hour, every day, 30 day Internship, then began working as her assistant for the next 4 plus years. I assisted in all aspects of her process from conception, to creation, to installation at Jason Jacques Gallery in New York City.

I am currently taking commissions and making work for exhibition. Please contact me for more information

Email me at:

Beth@BethThompson.com

Call/Text:

(763) 458-9891