2011 Artist Blog - Entry #15

The Return of Joy, Clay Original, Earthenware|Glaze|Oil paint, 20" X 14" X 12"

Luisa's Smile, Glaze|China & Oil Paint|Gold, 17" X 8" X 8"

Tamara Bonet is a contemporary, self-taught American figurative sculptress who heavily focuses on portraiture. Bonet's figurative works are made with clay but she also casts a lot of them in bronze as well as paints them which introduces that much more uniqueness as well as defines her own style of making sculptures. She implements wax, earthenware, oil painting and other materials. Her characters are one of a kind - filled with deep emotion, elegance, and grace which, undoubtedly, was the initial goal from the start. Bonet's works are easy to remember and difficult to forget. Drapery and clothing enforce the unique style of her almost alive characters - characters that have a story to tell, perhaps a reflection of the sculptor within her own works! The thought process put into each sculpture is distinctive in its own right. Each work is also carefully rendered with a great pose and a strong yet gentle gesture that define the composition. The addition of accessories aka environmental elements such as furniture and personal adornments add a very nice touch as well as more life than there already is. Bonet's characters are not "exposed" like in some works of figurative sculptors (nude and alone, as if not belonging) - they have a world of their own and they are a part of it. I would certainly say they look comfortable in the setting they are in and confident in the action they're taking or are about to taking. A deep understanding of anatomy is very visible in Bonet's works. Her figures have a great sense of weight, gravity, expression, and mood. Such skills are crucial in evoking believability of figures and capturing the moment. Tamara is one fine artist, a rarity these days - definitely a great example to follow and get inspired by! (word count - 300)

Blessings Bloom, Clay Original, Earthenware|Glaze|Oil Paint, 22" X 9" X 12"

Wealth, Clay Original, Earthenware|Glaze|Oil paint, 17" X 9" X 11"