Celestial Forms Erupt and Tumble in Lauren Fensterstock’s Jewel-Encrusted Sculptures
“Tender Willingness” (2024), vintage crystal, glass, quartz, obsidian, tourmaline, and mixed media, 16 x 20 x 20 inches. All images courtesy of Lauren Fensterstock and Claire Oliver Gallery, shared with permission
Celestial Forms Erupt and Tumble in Lauren Fensterstock’s Jewel-Encrusted Sculptures
November 18, 2024
Art
Kate Mothes
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Like crystallized meteors or mysterious terrestrial phenomena, Lauren Fensterstock’s jewel-encrusted sculptures (previously) reflect the artist’s interest in sacred symbols of the universe.
In her solo exhibition, Some Lands Are Made of Light at Claire Oliver Gallery, Fensterstock presents a new body of intimate sculptures and Swarovski crystal-coated drawings that reflect moments of introspection and inner peace.
“I Arrange the Stars” (2024), vintage crystal, glass, quartz, obsidian, tourmaline, and mixed media, 14 x 22 x 19 inches
“I see my work as jewelry but not to adorn the body… rather (to) augment the soul,” Fensterstock says in a statement. “I invite viewers to pause and reflect on their place within a collective experience and embrace their perceived imperfections—acknowledging that our differences, flaws, and struggles are what make us uniquely human.”
The artist plays with light and contrast, composing spherical surfaces and dark cavities that glint in the light. She uses natural crystals, like quartz, and repurposed found objects like chandelier parts, Swarovski gems, antique beads, and glass. The resulting works take the form of exploding celestial objects and enigmatic botanicals.
Some Lands Are Made of Light continues through January 18. Find more on the artist’s website and Instagram.
Detail of “I Arrange the Stars”
“She is Refuge” (2024), vintage crystal, glass, quartz, obsidian, tourmaline, and mixed media, 14 x 21 x 21 inches
Detail of “Tender Willingness”
“The Intimate Vast” (2024), vintage crystal, glass, quartz, obsidian, tourmaline, and mixed media, 15 x 33 x 33 inches
Detail of “The Intimate Vast”
Installation view of ‘Some Lands Are Made of Light’
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