ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

Anne Shulenberger

My main focus as a fine artist is the human figure and other natural forms; I work in the classic tradition. My primary influences include Rodin, Degas and Matisse. With my art I express the beauty and grace of the human body, which is the physical manifestation of the human spirit.

I sculpt primarily in clay, then make my own molds of the sculptures, which I then cast (in clay, Hydrocal or bronze) and which are finally given a patina by hand. I am currently creating a series of relief sculptures of Goddesses and Holy Women from various cultures and historical periods; subjects include Kali, Kwan Yin, Hildegard Von Bingen and an ancient Minoan Snake Goddess.

In addition, I sculpt silver jewelry with PMC (Precious Metal Clay), which I then fire, patina & polish by hand. (For more information about PMC, see the Jewelry section of this website.) I also create jewelry with silver wire and various sorts of beads, including my own fine silver beads made with PMC & natural stone beads.

As a painter, I generally use acrylic paints on canvas. I am presently working on a series of paintings of dancers. I have recently started a series of paintings to illustrate a children's book I've written, and I also like to paint still lifes and landscapes.

I was born in South Dakota and brought up in Kansas. I graduated from Brandeis University with honors in Fine Arts. I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years; I now live in Oakland and have a studio in Berkeley. I am active in several art-related organizations, and I am a leader in Artist Leadership Network For Women (formerly known as No Limits For Women in the Arts).