On our latest studio visit, KAC got an inside look at Sharon Engelstein's eclectic studio, settled in the core of Houston's Museum District. Engelstein's studio is a breath of creative fresh air, fully equipped with a professional-grade kiln, her collection of colorful children's toys and all other essential elements to her creative process.
Sharon Engelstein's kiln
Engelstein's "Dillidiidae" at Hermann Park
Engelstein is commonly known for her sculpture “Dillidiidae” that is currently on view in Hermann Park. This exuberant piece has served the community as a public art landmark for the past two years. Her imaginative and anthropomorphic forms range in scale, material, and purpose, and KAC was eager to see what's currently cooking in her studio.
Ceramic sculptures, "Feel Fine I" and "Feel Fine II"
Upon expressing our curiosity, Engelstein proudly revealed her growing collection of small organic clay sculptures. While staying true to her barnacle-like forms, she has temporarily stepped away from her meticulous planning process that traditionally plays a significant role in her work. This shift encourages Engelstein to work more intimately within her studio, allowing her sculptures to evolve into their own individual identities.
Adrienne taking a closer look at one of Engelstein's 3-D printed works
We can expect to see great things from Engelstein, who says her best work has yet to come. Sharon is represented in Houston by Devin Borden Gallery and will have her next exhibition in 2017.
Engelstein's work in progress clay sculpture
A clever installation of works by Paul Morrison at Galerie Sabine Knust's booth at Art Basel. Sculpture: Dandelion, powder coated steel. Prints: Hesperidium, 2007, woodcuts, Edition of 15.
After 4 days, 8 art fairs, and nearly 700 gallery booths, we are eager to report a selection of the many impressive artworks on view in Miami this week. Reflecting back, we picked up on a recurring theme that we see as a sign of the times: many artists are creating work that evidences the ubiquitous presence of technology in society, while others are returning to handmade traditional craft media such as ceramic and textile. Here is selection of our favorite finds from Art Basel, Untitled, Pulse, NADA, and Miami Project.
Digitally inspired work by Laeh Glenn on view in Altman Siegel's booth at NADA. Flowers, 2015, acrylic on linen.
Kathy Butterly, Tangsome, 2015, clay, glaze. Exhibited at Tibor de Nagy Gallery at Pulse.
Quirky and mesmerizing photos by Joaquin Trujillo at De Soto Gallery on view at Pulse. Center: Platanos y Café (Mexico), 2015 archival pigment print.
Jonathan Monaghan, Agnus Dei (After Zurbarán), 2015, Carrara marble and 3D printed steel. Bitforms Gallery at Untitled.
Technology inspired, mixed media work by Allora & Calzadilla in Lisson Gallery's booth at Art Basel. Solar Catastrophe, 2015, broken solar cells on canvas.
Assorted textile collages by Diana Guerrero-Maciá at Traywick on view at Miami Project. Siblings of the Sun, 2015, wool, cotton, thread on Belgian linen.
Detail: Diana Guerrero-Maciá, Siblings of the Sun, 2015, wool, cotton, thread on Belgian linen.
Alex Dodge uses computer generated patterns to create his paintings. Belfast, 2015, oil on canvas. On view at Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery at NADA.
