Three Large Ceramic Shield Artworks by Barbara Sorensen

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The works by Barbara Sorensen depicted in the image are three stoneware wall plaques from her "Shield Series," inspired by … Read more The works by Barbara Sorensen depicted in the image are three stoneware wall plaques from her "Shield Series," inspired by the weathered surfaces of stucco farmhouses in the Pyrenees. The shields are crafted from stoneware, exhibiting a rough, textured surface that evokes the appearance of archaeological artifacts or natural geological formations. The surfaces appear weathered and reshaped by time and the elements, suggesting a sense of age and history.  Each piece is composed of two halves, creating a symmetrical, shield-like form. 

They are designed as wall plaques, intended to be displayed as sculptural installations. The surfaces feature incised detailing and raised elements, creating geometric yet organic patterns. These details contribute to the tactile quality of the works, inviting viewers to engage with them through touch as well as sight. The pieces display a varied color palette, with earthy tones such as browns, grays, and whites, along with accents of color like orange, blue, and green, suggesting the diverse materiality and natural inspiration behind Sorensen's work.

Barbara Sorensen is an American sculptor and artist known for her large-scale, monumental works, particularly in clay, metal, and resin. Her art often draws inspiration from nature, geological formations, and classical elements, reflecting themes of growth, change, and the relationship between humanity and the landscape.

Sorensen's work embodies a deep connection with her materials and a celebration of natural processes and metamorphosis, echoing the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. Critics note the inherent energy and vitality in her pieces, suggesting they breathe with the truth of movement and change found in life and the environment. See less