Ellen Jewett Weird Artwork of Animal Sculptures
Jewett’s work, melding natural forms with cultural narratives, helps me remember those old psychic desires, reminding me of the power and necessity of wild denizens that dwell in what author David Abrams calls the “more-than-human world.”
Yet the narratives Jewett’s creations tell are not only of animals, but also our relationships with them. Many of these sculptures showcase the mythic and supernatural qualities humans have attributed to animals since time immemorial. “White Stag” and “Celtic Boar” remind me of the Shinto-influenced deities of Princess Mononoke. “Tortoise of Burden” and “Earth Constrictor” are reminiscent of the world turtles and serpents that populate Hindu, Chinese, and Native American folklore. Many of Jewett’s creatures would not be out of place in tales told by cultures with rich storytelling traditions, as avatars and guides that help humans navigate a strange and inexplicable world.
“People and animals are supposed to be together. We spent quite a long time evolving together, and we used to be partners.”
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