Jennifer Maestre is a South African-born, Massachusetts-based artist who has become famous for her intricate and beautiful sculptures made from wooden pencils. Her unique art style is inspired by the form and function of the sea urchin, with its spiny exterior serving as both a warning against contact and an alluring draw to touch.
Using hundreds of pencils, Jennifer creates 1-inch sections which she drills holes into and sharpens. These sections are then sewn together to form a stunning piece of artwork. Jennifer employs a beading technique called peyote stitch, which helps her create the unique textural and aesthetic experiences her sculptures are known for.
One of the most striking aspects of Jennifer’s work is the tension it creates between sharpness and smoothness. The spines of the pencil sections are sharp and dangerous, much like the spines of a sea urchin, while the smoothness of the wood is a beautiful contrast to the sharp edges. The resulting sculptures are mesmerizing and captivating, drawing the viewer in with their intricate details and unique textures.
Jennifer’s pencil sculptures have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and Art In America.
Through her art, Jennifer Maestre explores the tension between beauty and danger, creating unique and beautiful sculptures that are both alluring and cautionary. Her work is a testament to the power of art to evoke emotion and inspire awe, and her unique style has made her one of the most celebrated artists of her generation.
To view more of Jennifer Maestre’s stunning pencil sculptures, visit her website at http://www.jennifermaestre.com/.
