Betty Woodman (1930-) started her art career as a ceramic potter. Over the years, she has added painter, ceramicist, sculptor and printer to her resume. At age 81, she is still remarkably innovative, exuberant and eclectic in her work.
A tiny woman, Woodman produces many monumentally sized installations. For example, her commission for the U. S. Embassy in Beijing, China was approximately 30 feet by 27 feet!
Her energy is so contagious that she reminds me of Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010),whose fertile imagination guided her artwork until she was in her 90s. (See archive – Sept, 2009)
Another shared area was the size of their works - both women made large-scale sculptures.Woodman has received many kudos and awards over the years including a Fullbright-Hays Scholarship to Florence, Italy; National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship at Bellagio, Italy, and many Honorary Doctorates from renowned schools of fine arts.
Her mastery (but not the large scale) of her works can be seen below. I’ve chosen images, which reflect her eclectic combination of clay sculpture, painting and print. However, if you want to see Woodman in action, there’s a short video of the installation in Beijing, China, in 2009 when she was a mere 79 years old. (Click on the URL to enjoy the fullness of her art, her energy and her exuberance for her work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT6-Qusq95U )
I saw the story of her and her husband who's also an artist on TV. You're right about her work and her energy. Jen
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, I'll have to make George Woodman the topic of a future blog.
ReplyDeleteWow! Where does she get her energy? I want some. sz
ReplyDeletebeautiful work! Dee
ReplyDeletesz: She may be 81, but her energy is of a woman 20 years younger.
ReplyDeletevery enjoyable!Britt
ReplyDeleteWoW!!! Loved it.
ReplyDeleteI watched the video. You're right, it is amazing. That tiny woman and the huge installation . . . wow.
ReplyDeleteShe's really something, yes?
DeleteInspiring!
ReplyDelete