When we are talking about pencil, what would you relate to? Maybe you would think about writing or drawing, but there is an artist who really thinks out of the box. She is Jennifer Maestre, a sculptor. Jennifer was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but finished her B.A. in Wellesley College, U.S.. She later gained her B.F.A. in Massachusetts College of Art. Jennifer was not only recognized by the public, but also by the professionals. She has gained many rewards for her amazing pencil artwork, including Artist of the Year, Sculpture, Member’s Prize Show by Cambridge art Association in 2006, and Finalist, 2005 Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize, Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh among others. Jennifer has also held many exhibitions around U.S. from 1996 till now.
Jennifer’s sculptures were inspired by the form and function of the sea urchin. But why pencils? In Jennifer’s words: “The sections of pencils present aspects of sharp and smooth for two very different textural and aesthetic experiences”. People now are familiar with Jennifer’s pencil art, but seldom of them know the story behind that. All these outstanding pencil artworks are outcomes of trial and error, and her technique of turning pencils into beads and sewing them together.
The following are some amazing sculptures of Jennifer we selected. They are so vivid that maybe you would have the feeling of entering the amazing undersea world.
