Kate MacDowell sculpts decaying animals, human skeletons, organs and overgrown flora, acting as haunting forewarnings of how our destructive practices are negatively affecting the natural world around us and ultimately in the end, us ourselves. It’s been a long time since I came across a new artist who’s work left me so speechless like this.
Anatomy & nature are two of my favourite subjects & so it will be of no surprise to those of you who already knew so, that these pieces would make my heart skip. The way she manages to combine the two so perfectly, harmoniously even, is just beautiful. They are at once both delicate and yet grotesque, provoking a conflicting emotional response in the viewer, unsure as to whether they should feel awestruck by their beauty or repulsed by the underlying macabre theme.
Each piece is hand sculpted out of ghostly white porcelain, giving what would usually be a very dark, disturbing subject matter a real sense of purity and elegance, inviting those who would usually quickly look away to look a little closer and for a little longer. The most striking aspect though, is the feeling of fragility the porcelain gives the pieces, it makes for a beautiful statement on how delicate the balance is between us and nature. The small decaying animals which reveal a human skeleton underneath further illustrate this message – ‘what we do to our world, we do to ourselves’.
“I see each piece as a captured and preserved specimen, a painstaking record of endangered natural forms and a commentary on our own culpability.” – Kate MacDowell
Becky@lifestyleflash says
These are so fascinating – I’ve never seen anything like them.
Jenny says
I pretty much just stopped and stared at these pictures for about five minutes! The craftsmanship here is just amaaaaazing – they go so seamlessly from anatomy to nature, it’s just perfect! Once again THANK YOU for introducing me to these amazing works of art! xx
http://www.jenventure.blogspot.co.uk
Sootjeelina says
These are beautiful! I see how they could be scaring to a lot of people, but I personally love them. And you’re so right, the porcelain makes it so much more fragile.
xo Sootjeelina
thehautecookie says
so delicate, lovely photo’s!! xO!
http://www.thehautecookie.com
Miranda says
I appreciate that this artist has her own point of view ;)
XX,
Miranda
A's Fashion Files says
OMG this is some serious inspiration! I love the rabbit!
:)
Allison
A’s Fashion Files
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Vanessa, Take only M says
Wow, these are so crazy! Very creative.
Sonia says
Seriously breathtaking work. The detail is incredible and yes the message of the fragility and state of nature at the hands of mankind translates beautifully, I especially love the first set of lungs with the birds and obviously the skull! Such incredible work, thanks for sharing!
SDMxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
Anastasia says
That is so weird to me!He seems very precise and dedicated to his work, but its very scary at some point!Happy Thursday ♥
xo
Anastasia
http://natbeesfashion.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.etsy.com/shop/NatbeesFashion
Sydney says
These are gorgeous…of course I’m a sucker for anything involving anatomy. I always had real respect for the sculptors in art school, working with these materials takes so much control and patience!
Maria says
These took my breath away, absolutely stunning!
Maria xxx
Melissa Araujo says
This is beautiful work and art. The details and the creativity are unbelievable(in this case very believable!) Sculpture is one of my favourite arts. Thanks for sharing Stephanie. I always know I am going to see quality posts in here!
xx
M
steph says
absolutely lovely inspiration steph – very macabre and beautiful at the same time
Brittany says
You’ve got a GREAT blog here…so glad I stumbled upon it!
xoxo Britt
http://www.PardonMyFashion.com