With the increasing sophistication of technology, we have become more and more aware of the realities of what was once mysterious. We know what the inside of our bodies look like, it’s even possible to see an unborn baby in 3-dimensional form. We can know what our children will look like before they ever take their first breath. Yet, what remains to be revealed is their personality. How they will evolve spiritually and emotionally remains a mystery. Sculptor Christina Bothwell‘s figures illustrate for us the metamorphosis of our beings, our deliverance into who we are become.
Deer Girl, cast glass, raku, clay, antlers, and oil paints, 28x27x11
In her cast glass sculptures, Bothwell incorporates figures within figures. We see smaller figures nestled into the glass, most often in the shape of a newborn.
Octopus, cast glass, raku clay and oil paint, 48x23x23
From the artist: “I think of these pieces as souls, each being pregnant with their own potential, giving birth to new, improved versions of themselves.”
Hair, cast glass, raku clay and oil paints, 10x31x8
As long as we are breathing, we are constantly evolving, hopefully into a better version of ourselves. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to know that at the end of your life, you had become your most strong, your most loving, your most compassionate, the very best version of you?
Centaur, cast glass, raku clay, oil and found objects, 21x21x11
Phoenix, cast glass, raku fired clay, oil paints and wood, 33x60x21
Bothwell’s work shows us, not the end result, but the transformation. We see the adaptation and evolution of the spirit as translated into the material. To see more of Christina Bothwell’s work, please visit her website.
Featured image is Dawn, cast glass, ceramic, wood and oil paint, 38x10x7. All images are via the artist’s website.
35andupcynicismonhold
May 7, 2012 at 9:10 PMhello, artsy forager,
can’t say i go for these types of art. but i admire artists who create such interesting works. i love the narration here, by the way, very insightful… regards!
Lesley
May 8, 2012 at 9:27 AMThanks for the compliment! I know that the work of every artist I feature won’t appeal to every one, but I appreciate that you’re open to the exploration!
35andupcynicismonhold
May 8, 2012 at 10:06 AMthanks to you for the varied artists your site features. coming here is like attending a Humanities class mini session… the works above may not appeal to my eyes but they do make one think – we could turn into angels or monsters or warped creatures – Boswell’s art seem to present those possibilities… cheers! 🙂
My Style Workshop
May 10, 2012 at 5:37 AMNot for me but so interesting to look at. Would be awesome to see in person! Thanks for sharing such cool stuff!
Lesley
May 10, 2012 at 8:17 AMThanks for visiting!