My sculptures illustrate the absurd humor (cognitive dissonance) one has when trying to hold both “realism” and “optimism” as one’s values. I use imagery from midcentury American cartoons, modern art and ancient sculpture to astutely drum home friendly adages like, “everyone is trying their best.” Hand-made sculptures symbolically visualize our collective humanity, give proof for a pro-human doctrine and make valid an optimistic approach to reality.

ABOUT AUSTYN
Initially, my career started as an art teacher, working with the students led me to ceramics as a medium and I pursued a Ceramics MFA which I completed at Alfred University in 2016.

I am nomadic, traveling and lecturing in studios around the world. Residencies include Guldagergaard, Skælskør, Denmark; China Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China; Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN; Sonoma Ceramics, Sonoma, CA; Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas; VARDA Residency, Sausalito, CA; and currently second year at the intensely beautiful, hidden and historic Mendocino Art Center in Mendocino, California. I show internationally and in the states, notably Miami Art Basel and SOFA in Chicago. Represented by Bender Gallery, Asheville, NC; Poet and the Bench, Mill Valley, CA; Keep Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM; and All You Need Now, Shanghai, China.