"Truth Seeker" ~ Clay
"Secret Places" ~ Mixed Media
"Centurion" ~ Clay Garden Sculpture
Susan
Bastinelli
"Problem
solving, treasure hunting, transforming, manipulating, enlivening,
reviving, reconstructing, deconstructing, developing, rearranging,
remembering, dismembering, thinking, rethinking, brain storming, defragging,
walking away, coming back, assembling, reassembling; it's all part
of the process.
I have been a clay artist for the last 27 years; always trying to incorporate my treasured found objects. I don't know if it's a curse or a blessing to see second, third, and even forth lives in the cast aside, throwouts of everyday life. This quote really hit me one day. "What would you attempt to do if you knew you wouldn't fail?" I don't know who to give credit to, but it's made me think. I love all second hand stores, flea markets, garage sales, decluttering of friend's homes, and especially a tramp through a fresh salavage yard. Doing all of this collecting, I realized I had a large warehouse of wonderful, exciting pieces just waiting for a second chance at life. So I gave myself permission to use some of these "finds", because in my heart of hearts I know I don't need to buy another thing. There's a treasure trove and a fine assortment of materials just whispering, "use me."
My studio sits on the banks of a tidal river inlet in Norfolk, Virginia. Here, in the quietness of natural beauty, overlooking the tranquil water and gentle activity of local wildlife, I am awed and inspired by the handiwork of our Creator. My artwork is reflective of my life's journey with the Creator, ever changing, deepening, and pleasurable. As He works in me to will and do His good pleasure, my imagination becomes infused with ideas and my art is the expression of those thoughts."
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