Penney_Bidwell_original_ceramic_sculpture

I strive to capture the intimate and internal experience of the human condition in my artwork. My figures each stand alone, even when part of a group. Each character emerges from the clay directly from my subconscious--characters of imagination, past experiences, family stories, motherhood, fairy tales, and dreams. They are soulful beings, reflective of deep inner experiences: joy, sadness, pride, or embarrassment. Whatever the feeling, it is part of the experience of being human.

Technically, my sculptural pieces are hand-built from clay and combine layers of slips, oxides, underglazes, and glazes. I strive to create harmonious surfaces that have an underlying complexity that engages the viewer. My intent is not to control my inspirations, but to remain open and let the imagery inspire me as it develops. My subconscious guides my hands, and the story unfolds as I work. The mystery of not knowing where a piece will take me and what I will discover is part of the process that inspires me.

Biography

Penney Bidwell came into the world on April Fools’ Day, 1968, and was born into the carnival. Her mother had been an accomplished ballerina turned sideshow dancer, and her father was a third generation carnie on one of the largest traveling carnivals. Her great grandmother was the tattooed lady in the early 1900’s.

Bidwell has always been interested in the human experience and the human psyche. After completing her Masters degree in psychology, she realized a deeper ambition resided in the arts. After attending a sculpture class in 2006 she discovered her vehicle for expression.

Bidwell has exhibited art in several regional and national juried shows such as: The Red Brick Art Center in Aspen, Colorado; Colorado Clay at the Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado; The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts National Ceramic Competition in San Angelo, Texas; and Sculpture in the Park in Loveland, Colorado.

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"I strive to capture the intimate and internal experience of the human condition in my artwork. "

Penney Bidwell

Artist Works

"All Dressed Up"

11x7x4

$325