This piece is a gourd, wood, paper clay, acrylic + metal leaf mask sculpture. The mask measures approx. 6.5" x 5.5" x 3".
Kristen Egan is a mixed media artist specializing in masks and small sculptures. Her creative process relies on the organic shapes of natural materials like gourds, antlers and tree branches. Adding details with carved wood, paper clay and acrylic paints, she often juxtaposes bright patterns and ornamentation against raw or weathered surface textures. Kristen’s work explores themes such as evolution, predator-prey relationships, folk art and totemic imagery. Her pantheon of recurring animal characters are frequently inspired by species native to her home state, or mythologized elements of personal experiences. Kristen has a BFA in Art & Design from the SUNY College of Ceramics at Alfred University, and her artwork has been exhibited internationally. She currently works from her home studio in the mountains of eastern Pennsylvania.
According to the Lunar New Year, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, and in the Chinese zodiac it is the water rabbit, thus this little series of rabbit sculptures and masks are decorated with vaguely water-inspired motifs. Brightly colored and wild-eyed, they are meant to serve as little totems of happiness and good luck.
