Sheena Cameron
I have been selling my art work since I was a child. I grew up in a community on Cape Cod Bay and in the Boston area where I received a BFA in Ceramic Sculpture in 1969. I then lived in San Francisco for 10 years, mostly making art jewelry. I was a founding member of the San Francisco Women's Art Center, and Amargi Studios - a warehouse live-in studio collective.
I then lived off-grid in Northern California for 2 years, relocating to the Taos area of Northern New Mexico in 1981. Here I finally felt I had found my artistic home. Many of the years between 1981 and 2001 were spent living off the grid. I feel this profoundly shaped my artwork that is contemplative, earthy, and inspired by nature.
Finally in 2001 I built my current ceramic studio in Rinconada (20 miles from Taos, New Mexico). It is on the grid this time so I can have my electric kilns and get back exclusively to my first artistic love - ceramic sculpture.
The Raku Method
Much of my work is fired using the raku method. This results in the surface finishes being unique. It bears no resemblance to the controlled, even, and shiny glazes usually seen on pottery. Other methods I use are saggar firings, and slips and oxides.
My sculptures often relate to ancient mythology but brought up to date for our complicated modern times. Human and animal forms are common themes as they can help us relate to them as archetypes. I use a lot of Celtic iconography from my own background, and inspiration from life and my travels.The ceramic and mixed media Messenger Horses have become my signature pieces. Each is one-of-a-kind. They open to reveal an aspect of our rich inner lives.
Manes and tails are gemstones. Inside are various symbolic elements combining to form a unique message from that horse to its eventual collector. Each has its own miniature "book" which identifies the stones used in the piece and their meanings. Then it tells the personal story of that particular horse.
My newest body of work is the hundreds of handmade tiles, murals, sculptures, and fixtures I designed, made, and installed in the family beach house I recently rebuilt. I couldn't help but see it as my largest sculpture. I keep exploring more and more personal design ideas to transform it into a retreat, both for beach lovers and art lovers.