Unearthed
CARA MARIE YOUNG
Lemon juice, ink and white texture paste on paper
Unframed: 16 x 20 inches
Framed: 25 x 21 1/2 inches
(Framed and matted in white)
Inspired by the sculpture of Pandora releasing chaos in the world, this work makes contact with black history after being isolated in a white hegemony. The growth that I have experienced moving from Atlanta to Detroit, vibrates and echoes around me, exposing the zones of color that have been historically mapped and sustained through redlining and discrimination. Through decolonizing my mind and walking through these spaces, I am able to grow and make contact with my true self, even exposing the very roots of my hair and parts of my being that were forcefully hidden from me for a certain period of time.
CARA MARIE YOUNG
Mixed media on linen
Three Panels (Also available individually)
Left: 36 x 20 inches
Center piece: 40 x 60 inches
Right: 36 x 20 inches
Total Dimensions for 3 Panels: 100 x 40 inches
This artwork was created during a residency in Orquevaux, France, a very remote place in the french countryside. After traveling from Strasbourg for a hair service within a predominantly African community, I was inspired to create a city focusing the memory of the architecture of each place traveled and being connected through the braid of the diaspora. This includes the cityscape of Strasbourg, of Paris, of Chaumont, of Yaoundé, Cameroun and that of Orquevaux as a mind map drawn from memory.
CARA MARIE YOUNG
Lemon juice and ink on paper
Unframed: 14 x 11 inches
Framed: 20 3/4 x 16 inches
(Framed and matted in white)
This work was created in between my travel from Florence to Detroit, created aboard a flight while I remembered navigating the city by foot. This work engages with the temporality of passing through a space as a foreigner and celebrating the mark of voyage like the tip of a ballpoint pen. The lemon juice focuses the ephemerality of my existence.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic, multimedia
Unique
55 x 12 x 12 inches
"Wounds" aims to achieve a reflection on the pain that we carry with us throughout our lives, both physical and emotional. Through the use of raw and jagged edges, my sculpture portrays the idea that these wounds never fully heal, but instead become a part of who we are. The scars and the marks left behind remind us of our past, but they also shape our present and future selves. As an artist, it is important for me to create pieces that not only captivate the viewer but also challenge them to think deeply and reflect upon the message conveyed by my art.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic with wood stain
Unique
17 x 10 x 10 inches
The inspiration behind my latest ceramic sculpture, "My Faith," is a profound exploration of spirituality and its impact on our daily lives. In creating this piece, I delved deep into the essence of belief and its ability to provide comfort, guidance, and hope amidst life's challenges. As an artist, I wanted to capture the essence of faith through this sculpture by creating a piece that evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, while also inspiring reflection and contemplation.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic, glaze, faux bronze patina
Unique
16 x 8 x 8 inches
My latest ceramic figurative sculpture, titled "Erosion," is a reflection on the fragility of life and the passage of time. The sculpture depicts a human figure, weathered and deteriorated by the elements. The figure's posture and expression convey a sense of resignation as if accepting its fate as it slowly crumbles away. The texture of the sculpture mirrors the effects of erosion with cracks and crevices representing a life that has weathered many storms. Through this piece, I want to remind the viewer that we are all subject to the forces of nature and time. It is easy to take our lives for granted and forget that we are all just temporary beings in a world that will continue on without us.
My hope is that this sculpture serves as a powerful reminder to cherish every moment of life and appreciate the beauty of impermanence.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic with wood stain
Unique
15 x 15 x 6 inches
My recent work, titled Erika’s Morning Pose, is a testament to the timeless appeal of ceramic figurative sculpture.
This sculpture captures the essence of a peaceful morning, with the subject in a relaxed and meditative pose. Her serene expression exudes tranquility and calmness, making it a perfect piece to start the day with. With every intricate detail, from the subtle curves of her body to the delicate folds of her clothing, Erika Morning Pose invites viewers to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and the power of stillness. As a ceramic artist, I find inspiration in the natural world and the human form. Through my work, I strive to create pieces that evoke emotion and connect with the viewer on a deep level. Creating this sculpture was a truly fulfilling experience for me, and I hope that those who view it can feel the same sense of peace and serenity that I felt while creating it.
CARA MARIE YOUNG
Lemon juice, ink, and white colored pencil on paper
Unframed: 18 x 24 inches
Framed: 26 1/2 x 22 inches
(Framed and matted in white)
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic, stain
Unique
13 x 18 x 18 inches
In my latest ceramic sculpture titled "Combs and Nightmares," I have attempted to explore the complexities of the human psyche and its endless capacity for fear and anxiety. This sculpture is a reflection of my deep interest in exploring the various facets of human emotions through art. I chose the title "Combs and Nightmares" for this piece because I believe that it reflects the two sides of our existence - one that seeks comfort and stability, while the other is haunted by fears and uncertainties.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic, mud crack glaze, acrylic paint
Unique
14 x 8 x 8 inches
Through its captivating and thought-provoking design, "The Black Hole" challenges our perceptions of space and time while reminding us of the vast mysteries that still remain unexplored in the universe. The intricate details and alluring craftsmanship of the piece invite viewers to ponder the interconnectedness of humanity with the cosmos, and ultimately our place within it. By experiencing this powerful work of art, we are compelled to question our own existence and the profound impact that each individual has on the universe as a whole.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic, acrylic, paints
Unique
15 x 12 x 12 inches
By exploring the universal theme of spirituality and sacred spaces, "temple" invites individuals from all walks of life to embark on a personal journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment. The structure of "Temple" is reminiscent of ancient cultural objects, combining architectural elements and traditional motifs to create a harmonious fusion of old-world charm and contemporary design sensibilities. The use of clay as the primary material to create "Temple" adds a tactile dimension to the sculpture, emphasizing its connection with nature and our fundamental human roots.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic wood stain
Unique
17 x 8 x 8 inches
The deep symbolism and intricate design of my figurative ceramic sculpture titled "roots" serve as an artistic reflection on the core essence of our connection to the earth and ancestral heritage. By merging natural elements with human forms, this sculpture emphasizes the inextricable bond between mankind and Mother Nature, urging us to respect and cherish our planet's resources, as well as honor our cultural legacies.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic, stains
Unique
17 x 10 x 10 inches
The inspiration behind my figurative ceramic sculpture, Senufo Presence, stems from the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Senufo people of West Africa. Their masterful wood carvings and masks have captivated the hearts of art enthusiasts worldwide, and in turn, served as a muse for my own creative journey in sculpting a piece that not only pays homage to their craftsmanship but also showcases the deep spiritual essence embedded within Senufo art, bridging the past with the present. By integrating modern sculpting techniques and materials with traditional Senufo motifs, I aim to bring forth a refreshing representation of this timeless art form that invokes a sense of cultural continuity and transcends boundaries.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic, acrylic paint, wax
Unique
36 x 16 x 16 inches
The sheer raw power and emotion emanating from my ceramic sculpture titled "Conquerer" is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this piece is a true masterpiece that captures the essence of human resilience in its purest form. in part inspired by unearthing the relationships with men and female nature, this thought-provoking creation encourages the viewer to ponder their own place in the world and how they can conquer their personal challenges.
AUSTEN BRANTLEY
Ceramic with wood stain
Unique
14 x 15 x 15 inches
Art is not only about beauty and aesthetics; it can also be a reflection of the world around us. It can highlight the issues that plague society, and offer a glimpse into the darker side of humanity. My ceramic sculpture titled "tainted" is a reflection of the relationship between men and women and the toxic behaviors that perpetuate unhealthy power dynamics. Through my sculpture, I wanted to convey the idea that society often taints the purity of human relationships with toxic masculinity and patriarchal norms. By breaking free from these destructive patterns, we can create a more harmonious and balanced society.
CARA MARIE YOUNG
Lime juice with Mixed Media on Paper
11 x 14 inches