Renowned for her innovative fusion of art and science, sculptor Kendall Buster's masterful creations have garnered widespread acclaim.
Born in Selma, Alabama in 1954, Buster's journey began with a focus on microbiology before transitioning to the world of art. Her educational pursuits culminated in a master's of fine arts in sculpture from Yale University in 1987.
Buster's artistic style is characterized by the construction of sculptures that intricately reflect the molecular world on a grand scale, inviting viewers to engage with her work in a three-dimensional space. Notable pieces such as the Garden Snare, Resonance Hanging, and Stratum Pier sculptures exemplify her seamless blending of artistic vision with scientific concepts, leaving a profound impact on enthusiasts of art and science.
Key Takeaways
- Kendall Buster merges art and science in her sculptures, creating a style described as biological architecture.
- She recreates shapes and forms from the molecular world on a large scale, shifting from two-dimensional paintings to three-dimensional sculptures.
- Buster encourages viewers to walk inside her sculptures, creating an immersive experience.
- Some of her notable sculptures include the Garden Snare, Resonance Hanging, and Stratum Pier, each with unique designs and inspirations.
Kendall Buster's Background and Education
Kendall Buster was born on September 15, 1954, in Selma, Alabama. Her educational journey began with a focus on microbiology at the University of Alabama, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in medical technology in 1976. Despite this scientific start, Buster's interests shifted towards art, leading her to take art classes at the Corcoran School of Art and the University of Maryland.
Her pursuit of sculpting led her to complete a master's of fine arts in sculpture from Yale University in 1987, solidifying her path as a sculptor. Kendall Buster's influences can be seen in her artistic evolution, transitioning from a scientific background to creating sculptures that merge art and science, reflecting her unique perspective and multidisciplinary approach.
Kendall Buster's Artistic Style
Kendall Buster's artistic style encompasses the creation of sculptures that seamlessly intertwine art and science, resulting in what has been described as biological architecture. Her work explores biology through art, fusing science and sculpture to recreate shapes and forms from the molecular world on a large scale.
Buster's transition from two-dimensional paintings to three-dimensional sculptures encourages viewers to physically engage with her art, walking inside her creations. Notable pieces such as the Garden Snare sculpture, Resonance Hanging Sculpture, and Stratum Pier Sculpture demonstrate her innovative approach.
The Garden Snare, for instance, consists of a semitransparent membrane stretched over a cage-like frame, resembling a dividing cell. Buster's unique ability to blend scientific concepts with artistic expression has resulted in captivating and thought-provoking works that challenge traditional boundaries.
Garden Snare Sculpture
Continuing the exploration of Kendall Buster's artistic style, her Garden Snare sculpture exemplifies her unique fusion of art and science, featuring a semitransparent shadecloth membrane stretched over a large cage-like frame designed for natural or human-made settings. The membrane can be made of various materials such as paper, insect screening, or beeswax, adding a layer of complexity to the piece. The impact on viewers is profound, as the sculpture creates an ethereal and enchanting atmosphere, blurring the boundaries between the artwork and its surroundings. The delicate interplay of light and shadow through the semitransparent membrane adds a captivating dimension to the viewer's experience, inviting contemplation and introspection.
| Materials Used | Impact on Viewers | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Shadecloth membrane | Creates an ethereal and enchanting atmosphere | Blurs boundaries between artwork and surroundings |
| Cage-like frame | Adds a layer of complexity | Invites contemplation and introspection |
Resonance Hanging Sculpture
Her Resonance Hanging sculpture, created in collaboration with Siemon Allen, showcases interconnected translucent circular and oval forms suspended from a 75-foot-high glass atrium roof. This installation, inspired by models used to represent molecular structures, demonstrates Kendall Buster's ability to merge art and science seamlessly.
The sculpture's molecular structure representation provides viewers with a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of forms within the natural world. The use of translucent materials adds a layer of complexity to the artwork, allowing light to play a significant role in the viewer's experience.
The large scale of the interconnected forms encourages viewers to immerse themselves in the installation, creating an environment that prompts contemplation and exploration.
Stratum Pier Sculpture
The Stratum Pier sculpture was commissioned for the opening of 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park and consists of curved and layered platforms along the lakeshore. This sculpture provides a viewing area to experience the surrounding environment and references the landscape with its stratified, undulating forms. Constructed from emerald green fiberglass, it seamlessly blends with the natural landscape, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The use of curved platforms in the sculpture allows for an organic and flowing structure, mirroring the fluidity of the surrounding lake. The incorporation of emerald green fiberglass not only harmonizes the sculpture with its environment but also adds a touch of vibrancy to the overall visual impact.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Emerald green fiberglass |
| Structure | Curved and layered platforms |
| Purpose | Provides a viewing area to experience the surrounding environment |
Sculptural Innovations
An array of sculptural innovations demonstrates Kendall Buster's pioneering approach to merging art and science, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of form and function.
- Biological Inspiration: Buster's sculptures draw inspiration from the natural world, exploring biology and organic forms in her artistic creations.
- Art and Science Integration: Her work seamlessly integrates artistic expression with scientific principles, showcasing the harmonious relationship between the two disciplines.
- Scale and Space Exploration: Buster challenges traditional notions of scale and space, inviting viewers to engage with her sculptures on a physical and sensory level.
- Material Experimentation: Through the use of unconventional materials, such as shadecloth membrane and translucent forms, she pushes the boundaries of traditional sculptural mediums.
- Environmental Interaction: Her sculptures are purposefully designed to interact with and complement their natural or human-made settings, creating a dynamic relationship between art and environment.
Public Works and Installations
Kendall Buster has created several public works and installations that showcase her unique approach to merging art and science. Her site-specific installations engage the public and offer a distinctive perspective on biological architecture. These installations encourage public engagement, inviting viewers to interact with and experience the artwork in a meaningful way. The table below provides an overview of some of Buster's notable public works and installations.
| Artwork | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Snare Sculpture | Features a semitransparent membrane over a cage-like frame, designed for natural or human-made settings | Kreeger Museum, Washington, D.C. |
| Resonance Hanging Sculpture | Consists of interconnected translucent circular and oval forms, suspended from a glass atrium roof | Collaborative creation for a specific location |
| Stratum Pier Sculpture | Comprises curved and layered platforms along a lakeshore, providing a viewing area to experience the surrounding environment | 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Kendall Buster Incorporate Her Background in Microbiology Into Her Sculptures?
Incorporating science into her sculpture design, Kendall Buster skillfully integrates her background in microbiology, transforming molecular shapes into large-scale sculptures. Her unique approach merges art and science, presenting challenges and opportunities for innovative artistic expression.
What Are Some of the Challenges Kendall Buster Faces When Creating Large-Scale Sculptures That Merge Art and Science?
What challenges does Kendall Buster face when creating large-scale sculptures merging art and science? Challenges include maintaining structural integrity, incorporating microbiology, inspiring design, collaborating, and harmonizing with natural settings to create a harmonious interaction.
Can You Provide Insight Into the Inspiration Behind the Design of the Garden Snare Sculpture at the Kreeger Museum?
The design of the garden snare sculpture at the Kreeger Museum is inspired by biological architecture, merging art and science. Kendall Buster's creativity and artistry are showcased through the sculpture's unique form and use of materials, reflecting her mastery in sculpture design.
What Was the Collaboration Process Like Between Kendall Buster and Siemon Allen for the Creation of the Resonance Hanging Sculpture?
The collaborative process between Kendall Buster and Siemon Allen for the resonance hanging sculpture involved a melding of artistic techniques and scientific inspiration. This resulted in the creation of interconnected translucent forms, suspended from a glass atrium roof.
How Does Kendall Buster Ensure That Her Sculptures Interact Harmoniously With Their Natural or Human-Made Settings?
Kendall Buster meticulously integrates her sculptures with natural or human-made surroundings by designing them to blend harmoniously with the environment. She carefully selects materials and forms that complement the setting, creating an immersive and cohesive experience for viewers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kendall Buster's remarkable journey from the world of microbiology to the realm of art has resulted in a body of work that seamlessly merges scientific concepts with artistic vision. Her sculptures, such as the Garden Snare, Resonance Hanging, and Stratum Pier, not only showcase her innovative approach but also invite viewers to engage with the complexities of the molecular world on a grand scale.
Buster's ability to blend art and science has left a lasting impression on art and science enthusiasts worldwide.
Check Out For More References