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Laurel in the process of sculpting |
"Transcendence" |
Alabaster Sculptures: Transitions of Flight
The inspiration of my sculptural work is based on the theme of the eagle as a representation of strength, and its transition from non-flight to flight as the battle within ones self to define who they are. I have always been enamored with the concept of flight and the vast power of nature.
The eagle epitomizes precisely that, a natural form with the ability to fly. I am in awe of the simplistic beauty of the eagle and I try to capture its most essential form. I try to bring forth its importance through the changing states of non-flight to flight. This parallels any human's life and the transitions therein.
I attempt to show the viewer the various stages of non-flight to flight and occasionally the struggle that the eagle must endure to achieve this transition. I feel that the simplified form is the best way for me to suggest meaning to the viewer, but they are essentially free to decide what the sculpture means on a more personal level.
Laurel
in the process of sculpting "Transcendence"
Most of the jewelry I create is made of natural stone. I love forms created by nature and try to showcase their beauty in my jewelry pieces.
Watercolor Paintings
My watercolor paintings are generally depictions of landscapes or natural forms that I find intriguing. Generally, they are from the southwest United States based on the traveling that I have done in that area of the country.
My ceramic work is usually whimsical in nature. I tend to combine thrown and hand-built pieces of work into a creature or human form, usually inspired by imagry from nature.
Artist Bio
I was born in the
countryside of Wisconsin, surrounded by a beautiful, natural
environment with a long distance between my house and our
closest neighbors. I have many fond memories of this
beautiful area. There were apple trees over the hill where I
could always find a feast. We used to pick morel mushrooms
in the forest that my mother would sauté as a special
treat. My brother and I spent many hours finding arrowheads
in the brook near our home and each time we found one we
would think of the legend of our new treasures as we watched
the silent soaring of an eagle overhead. Having moved away
from this area in Wisconsin, we were relocated to North
Carolina and then later, Connecticut where the natural
environment has been replaced by many homes and buildings
leaving little room for the animals and trees. My interest in nature
and especially the eagle was recaptured when at the age of
sixteen I had a flight lesson at a small local airport. As I
flew the plane, I was amazed at the power I felt. That
feeling is present when I see that same power in nature...
the strength of an eagle in flight. The symbol of the eagle,
epitomizes my love of nature and flight. I have always been in
awe of the importance of nature in the Native American
traditions. Because our feelings for nature are so similar,
the symbolism in my artwork tends to take on the qualities
of this culture. I feel that the Native American adoration
of nature, and mine with the flight of the eagle results in
a strong connection. I use the various stages of non-flight
to flight to represent the strength within oneself... a
transition through life. I attended college at
the University of Connecticut. I majored in English, but
always made it a point to take art, at least one class a
semester. In my junior year of college I decided that I
would like to become an art teacher, mainly due to the
continual need I had to create and also because I often
found myself helping others in class working on their
artwork. I was able to help them see things differently and
interpret that into visual form. Upon graduating from
UCONN I went to Central Connecticut State University and
attained a B.S. in Art Education. I have been working in the
Simsbury Public School system for over 15 years. First
teaching elementary art for 2 years and presently teaching
middle school level. I also received a Master's degree from
Central Connecticut State University for Sculpture. A
6th-year degree (30 credits beyond the Masters) at CCSU and
the University of New England for Education and Sculpture. I
have also received a 7th-year degree from the University of
New England and Wesleyan University. Presently, I live in
Connecticut with my husband and two daughters. CAEA Overall
Outstanding Art Educator of the Year - 2011 CAEA Outstanding
Middle Level Art of the Year - 2001
"Art for Aids" Donated painting for "art grab" fundraiser, Artspace Gallery, Hartford, CT June 2011
"Henry James Creates" Henry James Gallery, Simsbury, CT November 2007 - 2010
"Faculty Show" Simsbury High School Atrium...Simsbury, CT November 2002
"Exposures" Juried Photography Show West Hartford Art League...W. Hartford, CT February, 2001
"VISIONS Professional Art Education Magazine" COVER ARTIST for CAEA-Connecticut Art Education Association Spring 2000
"Prints and Stone" Manchester Tech. College...Manchester, CT June 1999
"Prints and Stone Preview Show" Henry James Gallery, HJ Memorial School...Simsbury, CT May 1999
"And Then There Were Three" Sculpture Show CCSU Downstairs Gallery...New Britain, CT 1998
"Infinite Number of Forms" Sculpture Show; Central Connecticut State University Downstairs Gallery...New Britain, CT 1997
"Educators As Artists" Canton Gallery on the Green...Canton, CT June 1996
"Sculpture At Large" Sculptural Grant Exhibition, Samuel S.T. Chen Art Gallery...New Britain, CT 1995-1996
"Oops!" CCSU Downstairs Gallery...New Britain, CT May 1995
"6 x 6 Open Juried Show" Farmington Art Guild...Farmington, CT (Ceramic Sculpure) 1995
"Confrontation" Canton Gallery on the Green...Canton, CT (Photography) August 1995
"Open Juried Show" West Hartford Art League...West Hartford, CT (HONORABLE MENTION-Sculpture) February 1995
"Members Juried Show" West Hartford Art League...West Hartford, CT (FIRST PLACE-Photography) October 1994
"CCSU Juried Art Show" (FIRST PLACE-Crafts)...New Britain, CT Spring 1993
LINKS
Atom Gallery
Search keyword "Archambault"
Laurel Archambault
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