Lately, we have been highlighting the paintings from our December Small Works show, but today we’re taking an opportunity to highlight some different small works in the gallery–Amy Kann’s sculptures from October’s “Beyond the Surface.”

This October we were pleased to have Rachel Constantine curate a fascinating show celebrating Conceptual Realism. “Beyond the Surface” brought together some excellent artists and fascinating pieces, each with their own deeper meaning and story. Especially exciting was the sculpture featured in the show, including both standing three-dimensional and hanging, relief sculptural works. Amy Kann, a renowned master at creating detailed, smooth, immaculate relief pieces, shared another side to her creativity with us through four very special terra cotta pieces, entitled “Branch,” “Blossom,” “Slate,” and “Seraph.” Though the last is a much larger work, the first three are each similarly small in size, the tallest measuring just 21.5 inches on the pedestal.

These works are breathtaking. They are truly unique, powerful, and ethereally beautiful. The image below depicts the smaller three of the four sculptures, and shows “Slate,” “Branch,” and “Blossom,” respectively from left to right.

Amy Kann eloquently described to us her inspiration for these works:

I now work in both a realistic and abstract manner. The lack of restrictions in the abstract work and the requirements of the realistic work balance, complement and inform each other. The freedom and expressiveness of the abstract work helps me to develop more intensity and fluidity in the realistic work. The realistic work helps me to find in the abstract work a voice that is more gentle and sensitive. This keeps me investigating both worlds to push the limits of each.

I am interested in our connection to nature and our need for spirituality in order to feel the value of our lives. I am making sculpture about heaven and earth, creating unified images of trees, women and angels. My intention is to show the natures of each woven together within a single sculpture. I see little division between these three natures. My intention is to convey the sensuality of a woman held within the stillness of a tree, expressing the human capacity to be angels for one and other.

The movement, texture, and color of these pieces vividly reflect the inspiration of the female form, trees, and angels. Each piece is created from terra cotta, and the colors and textures result from an encaustic (wax painting) and patina technique. Though mere photographs do not do the justice to the delicate colors and textures, below are some images that give an idea of their great beauty.

While there is so much technical skill at which to marvel in Amy’s realistic relief works, it speaks volumes about Amy as an artist as well as a craftsman that the sculptures featured here are so rich with soul and life. We were pleased to be able to display both types of her incredible artwork in October’s show, and though most of the work on our walls has changed since October, to display new works we receive, we have kept these special standing pieces out on display in the gallery, and they truly captivate us daily.