Earth, Wind, and Fire: When Objects Become Sculptures

SL’s resident art expert Wendy Cromwell is back this issue with an article devoted to sculpture. From its origins dating back to 3,500 B.C. to the pieces sitting in St. Louis’ Contemporary Art Museum today, sculpture is a timeless topic.

“I’ll never forget mushing my hands into a lump of clay that my art teacher plopped in front of me in fourth grade. Everybody received the same lump, but what we all did with it was wildly different. The kid in all of us comes out when we play with clay, and that’s part of its enormous appeal.

Today, a new generation of artists is pushing the boundaries of art-making through ceramics. Inspired by practitioners such as Betty Woodman, a bonafide “trail-glazer” who recently passed away at the age of 88, artists are experimenting with unpredictable kiln effects and challenging the status quo by elevating ceramic to the loftier realm of sculpture…”

For Cromwell’s full article, visit our online issue. Don’t miss out on any of Cromwell’s expertise! Subscribe to get SL delivered today: https://www.sophisticatedstlouis.com/mag/subscribe

Featured ceramic piece by Kathy Butterly, on display at the Contemporary Art Museum until February 27, 2022.