The Shape of Nature, Studio Shop Gallery
Installation view of The Shape of Nature, Studio Shop Gallery.
Artists have been inspired by nature as long as art has been created. Humanity has been captivated and inspired by the natural world since the dawn of time.
Three internationally acclaimed artists, Foad Satterfield, Kristine Taylor, and Federico Uribe, have been brought together to draw inspiration from nature at the Studio Shop Gallery in Burlingame, California. From landscapes, wildlife, and organic matter, The Shape of Nature is an immersive exhibition that mimics the natural world while celebrating its beauty and wonder, further captivating our imagination and awe.
Foad Satterfield, Gran Evenia, acrylic on canvas.
Adorning the gallery walls are large-scale paintings by the artist Foad Satterfield. Satterfield, who was born on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, developed early on a respect for nature’s stillness and extremities. His paintings strive to capture an emotional essence of place, immersing the viewer in a moment of stillness. While appreciation and awe are trademarks of his paintings, Satterfield’s brushstrokes evoke the duality of the natural environment–stillness meets chaos–with a calm color palette contrasting with deep and often erratic brushstrokes. Respecting nature’s paradox of serenity and destruction is imperative to Satterfield’s artistic practice, especially in today’s climate woes. Nature’s complexity–its beauty and danger–is on full display, anchoring the exhibition’s sculptural artwork by fellow exhibiting artists Kristine Taylor and Federico Uribe.
Kristine Taylor, Black Panther, bronze sculpture.
At the center of the gallery, Kristine Taylor’s Black Panther commands your attention. The panther’s repose seems to float just above its pedestal anchor–while one’s eye is tricked into seeing the cat’s tail softly swaying over the branch it rests on. Cast in bronze, Taylor’s sculptures convey the animal’s accurate anatomy while capturing its intimate nature. Her talent is in her ability to capture both the strength and vulnerability of animals–even using such a tough medium, each artwork mimics the endearing qualities of the creature it inspires.
From left to right: Kristine Taylor, Elephant, bronze sculpture; Kristine Taylor, Hare, bronze sculpture; Kristine Taylor, Empress, bronze sculpture.
Taylor’s unique ability to capture each animal's innate idiosyncrasies ensures its quiet dignity is front and center. Elephant is a charming celebration of the beloved, sensitive creature. Taylor successfully captures the elephant in a seated pose that invites compassion, endearment, and cuteness overload from the viewer. Hare and Empress evoke each creature’s personality while successfully portraying movement unique to each species. The animals are alive on their pedestals, remaining curious about who’s looking–all while standing tall as pinnacles of grace.
Federico Uribe, Purple Dog, colored pencils.
Colombian artist Federico Uribe's everyday sculptural renditions of wildlife add a lively engagement within the exhibition. Uribe takes everyday materials such as colored pencils, nails, bullet shells, and barbed wire, transforming them into realistic, complex animal forms. Originally a painter, Uribe set aside his paintbrush and embraced everyday objects that evoke a playfulness and aliveness in his practice. Uribe’s sculptural animals, full of life, invite the viewer to touch as their three-dimensional form offers volume, texture, and color–embracing the novel and inviting excitement.
Installation view of The Shape of Nature. Image courtesy of Studio Shop Gallery.
The Shape of Nature’s curatorial success lies in its installation. Each artwork is juxtaposed in conversation with the others, adding a playful interpretation of the natural environment. Foad Satterfield’s Mysterium anchors Federico Uribe’s mixed-media sculptural wildlife, Screwed Panda and Silver Squirrel.
From left to right: Federico Uribe, Silver Squirrel, finishing nails; Federico Uribe, Screwed Panda, screws.
Made of everyday materials such as screws, Screwed Panda appears to be in motion, slowly traversing up the wall, mimicking the natural environment created in Mysterium. On the left side of the painting, Silver Squirrel, made entirely of finishing nails, climbs speedily up the gallery wall, slightly ahead of its panda counterpart. This evocative installation design invites the viewer to witness Uribe’s sculptural creatures in Satterfield’s abstract landscapes, bringing the natural environment into the gallery space.
Installation view of The Shape of Nature. Image courtesy of Studio Shop Gallery.
In contrast, Taylor’s Macaw and 3’s A Crowd share space with Foad Satterfield’s Ulysses, as if each creature is part of the natural landscape. The diversity of blue hues at the center of Ulysses evokes a running river, with light brown-yellowish vegetation surrounding the environment. You can almost hear the sounds of the Macaw, and 3’s A Crowd against the rushing water–bringing the viewer outside of the gallery and immersed in the natural environment. The installation encourages visitors to enjoy a moment of serenity and peace.
Installation view of The Shape of Nature. Image courtesy of Studio Shop Gallery.
Throughout the exhibition, the three artists are displayed in conversation with one another, celebrating the beauty of the natural environment while honoring the artists’ sincere tribute to the planet we call home. Satterfield’s Blue Diptych Between Space & Home commands the wall while Uribe’s bird mixed-media sculptures–Tropical Bird on Driftwood, Cardinal, Falcon, Woodpecker, and Green Parrot on Driftwood–anchor the dramatic diptych painting. Just to the side, on two pedestals, are curious domestic critters. Taylor’s bronze sculpture Empress and Uribe’s colored-pencil sculpture, Standing Puppy, bring to life a vibrant scene of sound, texture, and color, as one would find in the natural world.
The Shape of Nature reminds us not only of the incredible beauty that surrounds us, but also of its ability to bring joy and fulfillment to all living creatures. This exhibition brings together three artists who share a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world, resulting in a cacophony of life in the traditional white-cube gallery space. It is a feat not only of curatorial vision and creativity, but also of bringing the voices of nature and wildlife to life with keen sincerity. Studio Shop Gallery gives space for each artwork to sing.
