Artis Opus Gallery Presents

Contemporary Sculpture
by Marilyn Matheny

My sculptures are based on live models, classical sculpture, photographs of antiquities, and a bit of vivid imagination.

Faces and the emotions that they express are my primary interest. My work is strongly influenced by mythology and ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art.

Below are some of my works, more will be added soon. I plan to offer bronze reproductions of some of the pieces and slip cast versions of others. The originals may be for sale in some cases. Contact me at:
marilyn@artisopusgallery.com

"Roman Reliefs" (2005)
(Northern Clay Center, Summer 2005)

Exhibitions and Sales

2003
Seward Art Crawl

Northern Clay Center: Studio Artists Exhibition

2002
Northern Clay Center: Studio Artists Exhibition

2001
Minneapolis Foundation: Seward Artists Exhibition

Seward Art Crawl

2000
Seward Art Crawl


The Shy Polish Saytr

This is a likeness of my husband. His horns are not visible to everyone, but those who know him see them.

8 inches, raku clay, terra sigillata and nutmeg stain,
low-fired.



Egyptian Woman

This is a likeness of a charming young woman named Arwin. She has a timeless beauty much like Nefertiti's.

8 inches, raku clay, terra sigillata,
low fired.








The Roman Boxer

This rugged face shows the broken nose
and bitter disappointment of a defeated combatant.

5 1/2 inches, stoneware clay, terra sigillata
and iron oxide stain, high-fired. 

 


The Grieving Widow

This is a replica of a statue in the Vatican Museum in Rome. The downcast eyes and gentle mouth convey not only her sorrow, but some acceptance of her loss.

4 1/2 inches, stoneware, glazes, highfired in oxidation.

 

 

 


The Zen Master

This gentle face conveys a happiness and serenity that stem from an inner peace.

5 inches, Barnard stoneware clay,
highfired in reduction.


 

 

 


Woodland Faun

This lively face suggest a sense of humor and a childlike maker of mischief.

5 inches, raku clay,
terra sigillata, low fired.

 

 

 

 

 


Egyptian Bast Cat

Modeled after ancient Egyptian statues of the Goddess Bast, except for 
the curl at the end of her impatient tail.

9 inches, raku clay,
terra sigillata, low fired. 

 

 

 

 


Roman Citizen

Also titled "My Father's Face ", he reminds me of one aspect of my father. Suspicion and parsimony predominate in this face.

Wall plaque, 6 1/2 inches, mid-fire white clay, terra sigillatta, low fired.


 

 

 


The Happy Fool

This homely face conveys a simple, infectious joy. The folly of life is only a joke to him.

Wall plaque, 5 inches,
stoneware clay, terra sigillata and iron oxide stain, low fired.