Artist Deana Bada Maloney creates animal sculptures that honor nature while sending a message about mankind’s impact on the environment. See more of her fascinating work by visiting her website.
“The Deconstruction of Marius” Stoneware, Glaze, Acrylic and Found Object, 16” x 24” x 8”
In everything I create, I draw inspiration from nature.
“Odysseus” Stoneware, Oxide and Shell, 10” x 12” x 12”
I am awestruck at the beauty, magic and mystery of the natural world. I try to capture the essence of that in my work.
What I try to strive for in each of my pieces is a sort of trifecta for the viewer. This includes a celebration of the living form, a translation of the structure of how something is built, and a capture of the transcendental presence of the subject.
“Frank n’ Beans” Stoneware, Oxide and Found Object, 6” x 7” x 5”
It is important that my pieces tell a story for the viewer. The viewer is charged with figuring the meaning of that story out.
“Nic Fit” Stoneware, Oxide and Found Object, 7” x 9” x 6”
I draw from myths, religions or the state of the world around us, using symbolism to reveal the story, meaning or feeling I want the viewer to engage in. I accomplish this with a mixture of posture, expression and found materials I might use in any given piece.
“Splitting Hare” Stoneware, Oxide and Found Object, 10” x 5” x 6”
When I use found materials, they are from the subject’s natural surroundings or are key components of what I am portraying.
“Nectar” Stoneware, Oxide and Found Object, 4” x 8”
One continuous theme in my work is the visual documentation of how we are affecting our natural landscape with our consumption waste.
“What a Drag” Stoneware, Oxide, Ink and Found Objects, 48” x 16” x 12”
I portray how the native animals in the Midwest are adapting to a landscape of landfill. I use the animal to provide a nice start to the story. Then I insert found objects that are a bit jarring, and that the animal has adapted to living in, with or around. I hope these pieces give the viewer a bit of a laugh, then makes them sad and disgusted.
“Aurora” Stoneware work in progress, Full Size Coyote
I received a BFA in Drawing and Painting from the Art Institute of Chicago, where I focused on life drawing, painting, anatomy and scientific illustration. Only recently have I found clay to be a medium for me to express the beauty of the world around us and stories woven within all things.
Artist Deana Bada Maloney invites you to follow her on Instagram.
Amazing artworks, they look so different!
Thank you!