Zosia Chamera
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Crafting of the Bones: The Pelvic Bones
2020
Bronze, Wax, and Clay
16"x22"x8"
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Crafting of the Bones: The Skeletal Foot
2020
Wax and Clay
15"x8"'x4"
Statement
A fascination with the natural world and the observation of my surroundings has constantly fed my artistic mind. Ever since I was a kid all I wanted was to be outside; digging in the dirt, running through the trees, and collecting stones by the riverside. My upbringing has greatly influenced my sculptural work; I draw inspiration from things found in nature and through my practice I always strive to find ways to feel like a kid again. With my bark sculptures in particular, I am able to be free in the forest as I collect my materials. Oftentimes I revisit the same park that I explored so deeply as a child and gather my Black Locust bark from the decaying trees. Each piece of bark is methodically put together like a puzzle to give life to a woodland animal; those that I would observe in the past and present as I wandered through the forest.
Focusing on the anatomy of the subject, the bark begins to mimic the muscles present in the animal. Gently curving and following the forms of the woodland creature to create the surface. I’ve always strived to fit small forms of research into my sculptural work. Whether it be a specific animal’s anatomy or more recently the internal structural workings of a body; I’ve always found ways to educate myself further in a specific topic by using my sculptural lens. I’ve become captivated by the skeletal anatomy and learning the ins and outs of all bones present in our bodies. Through allowing my audience to interact with the bones that I sculpt, they can feel and touch the crafted surfaces, thus allowing them to explore the bones’ connections to one another. As I continue to research the subjects present in my work, I am always striving to find new ways to pass down my sculptural discoveries to the audience.
Interdisciplinary Sculpture (BFA) Students