Peggy Albers

Artist Statement

My work in clay emerges from a deep reverence for animals and the vital, often fragile, connections we share with them. Rooted in realism and folk art traditions, my animal sculptures connect with viewers through their anthropomorphic gazes, gestures, and body positions. The intention behind my animal sculptures is to evoke in viewers an awareness of the stories animals carry — stories of survival, instinct, and interdependence—and the importance of conservation and protection of animals, especially endangered and wild, through social action. My attention focuses on primates and raptors, especially gorillas, orangutans, vultures, and eagles. These magnificent animals capture the essence of the wild, both in the bush and in the forest. These animals also are critical in maintaining forest biodiversity. Through photographs and videos that I have taken in my safari travels, I study features across animals of the same species, their interactions in the bush, and work to capture their essence through portrait-like sculptures. My work is sculpted from multiple clay bodies, built solid and hollowed out. Features are detailed using carving tools and textures. The colors on the sculpture emerge from applied engobes in a high-fired gas kiln.