Olivia Beens

The objects/sculptures are inspired by ancient worlds, myths, magic, fantasy and dreams.

In some cases they are lessons from the unconscious mind that come to the artist when receptive in the studio environment. These works attempt to touch the untouchable.  

The pieces sometimes suggest the content or meaning inherent in the final construction. Initially, the intention was to use simple, readily available materials and attaching pieces with string, wire or sinew only; no tools, hardware or glue necessary as in most primitive cultures. Paint was used to suggest nerve endings or forces emanating from the art.
In addition, “fragments” small figurative clay pieces sometimes covered with gold or mounted on copper punctuate the exhibition like icons removed from their original location, their function unclear and ephemeral.  They were created in limited numbers over the years along side the constructed images.

Archetypes and symbols linger in the dark, deep recesses of our primordial mind.  The images exhibited are meant to evoke emotional states in the viewer whereby one can through the object create a gateway to other levels of consciousness thus enabling the viewer to witness guardians, or intermediaries to other worlds.  Perhaps then one will create a spell, conjure incantations, invoke spirits; send or receive messages to and from the unknown. This body of work can be understood on a visceral or psychic level.