I recently discovered the versatility of air-dry clay and polymer clay. After trying all different kind of brands and experimenting with them, I have to admit that I found the modelling and painting of these figures incredibly addictive.
My work is frequently on the margin of dreamlike universes with an elaborate iconography. Its symbolism rooted in nature, mythology and personal experiences. By connecting concepts and images into unexpected ways, they radiate and evoke their own essence, but also contaminate their neighbors.
I explore archetypes, formulas and techniques that bridge intuition with logic, reality with day-dreaming, spirituality with sensuality, reality with imagination. Always water, air, the elements; the life that is created by these and who itself creates through these.
Some of these pieces have been part of art galleries shows, others were commissioned, and many of them are waiting together back in my studio. Clay is a magic material, and my experience working with it is very similar to painting with oil. It's versatile, patient, tolerant, and forgiving.
I hope you enjoy these hybrid creatures.
More info: carmenmaker.com
A Movement Without A Name
The snake symbolizes rebirth and transformation. It's also a river-kind movement on top of the pillow, as the comfort net. The gold represents bright life and richness of what's to come.
Before The Rain
It's called before the rain as a metaphor of rebirth, both emotional and physical, and cleansing. That's why the lungs are exposed and the arms are wide open.
Before The Rain (Detail)
This is the back of this piece.
The back is covered with rain drops coming down from the skin to the clouds, as if the clouds were formed by the figure itself.
The back is covered with rain drops coming down from the skin to the clouds, as if the clouds were formed by the figure itself.
Before The Rain (Detail)
Another detail focused on the gold lungs and blue veins on the front.
Gemini II
Gemini represents duality. The decorative aspect of the body and heads constraints with the sculptural glass and clouds, representing the sky and the earth.
The twin/siamese idea represents the two sides of everything and yet how opposites form a perfect unit.
La Dama De Corazones
It's called La Dama De Corazones as a symbol of beauty, idealism and affection. She rules by the principles of love. As many of my creatures, she's a hybrid with a bird head and bird hands to augment her natural freedom.
The Midpoint Of Everything
This figure is a wasp, wings relaxed on front over a small blue cloud, with an ancient book in front on the base. It represents new insight into life, and lessons that the winged creature has to offer us.
Nightshade Pillow
The Philosopher's Daughter
The Philosopher's Daughter (Back)
The Doorkeeper
This hare with bird hands, with a replica of itself under the dress, is a tale of world creation and survival. It has a staff of Asclepius on the chest, symbolizing healing and protection.
The Doorkeeper (Detail)
They Say We Die Twice (III)
They Say We Die Twice
Conjunction
Conjunction (Detail)
