Margeaux A. Huffines-Keener
Artist Statement

      Life is stranger than anything we can imagine. Often humans are more vicious than our animal counterparts. In public we display civility, but behind the mask we are animals. In my work I explore the animal within us all. Early humans had oral narratives that reflected our understanding of the world, our behaviors, and our existence. Over the years, these narratives have undergone series of changes. Some tales are now more tame and domestic than that of their original contents. These stories have become more like legends or cautionary tales to warn us of the effects of acting on our darkest desires.  As language progresses, both legendary stories and life are often intertwine and reflect one another.  I use these classic folk tales and narrative as inspiration. I have also found inspiration through classic tin wind-up toys that emulate nature and real animals found in nature. I create hand built ceramic sculptures that further personify the characters and environments of the narrative. I put a personal twist on the stories to exemplify the humanity in the beast as well as beasts within us all. I want to treat this as an exploration of both the human perception of reality and the true nature of our behaviors. The materials I use are ceramics and mixed media. Simple metal constructions, found objects, and ceramics are used together to make up some of the finished works. I often explore unusual surface techniques and ways to make texture on a clay surface without relying on glazes alone.