Beth Cavener’s sculptures pry at those uncomfortable, awkward edges between animal and human. She digs at human psychology with subtly personified creatures in apparent states of fear, conflict, and submission.
Renowned scholar Garth Clark Interviews sculptor Beth Cavener in the space of her latest exhibit at Peters Projects in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They discuss her inspirations, techniques, and personal experiences that drive her contemporary ceramic art.
The group show Trophies and Prey was curated by Garth Clark and Mark Del Vecchio, founders of CFile, with a portion of proceeds from the exhibition going to support the CFile Foundation for Contemporary Ceramic Art. Garth and Beth have a long history, the former Garth Clark Gallery first showed her work a decade ago, in 2005. In the interview, Garth talks to Beth about her latest exhibition, discussing her inspirations, techniques, and personal experiences that drive her work.
“Beth is one of the most admired, most talked about, and most respected young sculptors that we have in our field,” explains Clark.
Enjoy the interview below and show Beth some love in the comments section! Tell us what you think of her newest work.
Garth Clark Interviews Beth Cavener on her Newest Sculpture Series from CFile on Vimeo.
Beth Cavener, Forgiveness, 2015, Stoneware. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Forgiveness, 2015, Stoneware. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Forgiveness, 2015, Stoneware. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Trapped, 2015, Stoneware. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Trapped, 2015, Stoneware. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Committed, 2015, Stoneware. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Committed, 2015, Stoneware. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Tangled Up in You, 2014, Stoneware, mixed media. Tattoos designed and painted by Alessandro Gallo. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Tangled Up in You, 2014, Stoneware, mixed media. Tattoos designed and painted by Alessandro Gallo. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Tangled Up in You, 2014, Stoneware, mixed media. Tattoos designed and painted by Alessandro Gallo. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Obariyon, 2013, Stoneware, antique hooks, glaze. 17 x 46 x 30″
Beth Cavener, Obariyon, 2013, Stoneware, antique hooks, glaze. 17 x 46 x 30″
Beth Cavener, L’Amante, 2012, Stoneware, painted tattoos, 45 x 60 x 44″
Beth Cavener, L’Amante, 2012, Stoneware, painted tattoos, 45 x 60 x 44.″ Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, L’Amante, 2012, Stoneware, painted tattoos, 45 x 60 x 44″ Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, The Sentimental Question, 2012, Stoneware.
Beth Cavener, Unrequited, 2015, Resin infused refractory material, paint, steel base. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Unrequited, 2015, Resin infused refractory material, paint, steel base. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Kept, 2015, Stoneware. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, Kept, 2015, Stoneware. Click for larger image.
Beth Cavener, A Rush of Blood to the Head, 2009 Stoneware, paint.
Beth Cavener, A Rush of Blood to the Head, 2009 Stoneware, paint.
Beth Cavener, The Question That Devours, 2012, Stoneware.
Beth Cavener.
Beth Cavener with Trapped Model.
Wonderfully emotive sculpture, my first view of Beth’s work but not my last. I look forward to seeing more of this amazing artist.
Beth Caverner makes Wonderful work I was so taken by her intensity and attention to detail and her drive in a demo in Wales a couple of years ago, she is so dedicated and so giving in her demons.
Just finished a workshop with Beth today. One of the most inspiring, meaningful and informative learning experiences of my 70 years as an artist, and I have felt grateful for many fine mentors. This young woman has a deep, important destiny and I hope for her safe and fulfilling voyage. I wish her well and feel grateful today for the gift of meeting her.
Inspirational and deeply emotional work. Beautiful
I attended a multiple day workshop with Beth near Medford Oregon several years ago. Beth is so very, very amazing! I learned a great deal about the intensity of concentration and attention to every detail that goes into her pieces. Beth, thank you for your contributions to our human world!
Beth, thank you for your fluid, illustrative, and emotionally honest work.
Smart move using the hydrcal mixed with resin. I assume Latex was added to the mix as well. So was it matrix G that she used? Opening up her practice outside of using clay for her final pieces, makes a great deal of sense.
Fantastic! Thanks.
I am so moved by Beth and the depth of content in her work. The animal makes it so accessible and then when you start realizing what it is about you are hit by the weight of it. I am not sure how someone so beautiful and honest can keep the work so raw and revealing for so long. Thank you Beth and Garth, a truly lovely interview.
never saw something so alive in clay, very moving.