Les gardiennes du temple : “La tordue “

Like a menagerie of majestic, menacing mythological creatures from savage campfire fables, or ancestral memories translated through the fantastical filter of dreams, Svene’s dark sculptures possess a primitive grace, a fierce  splendor, and a shadowy awareness of faith, and fear and love,   inextricably linked.

As a dance teacher, art director and choreographer for a collective, the enigmatic Svene’s  artistic path seemed to be mapped out;  during those years she had explored music, choreography and scenography….but felt that a part of her “remained asleep”

Then, in 2006:  an awakening, a change. This catalyst came in the mourning of her father’s passing, followed by the birth of her two sons. She realized a profound need to express herself differently – to create something that at once both represented herself and freed herself.  In 2007 she quit dancing to give her body a rest, and in her own words : “Motivated by some deep need to reveal my inner ancient memories, I give birth to my tribe of dark and poetic creatures”

Les gardiennes du temple : ” Kaoline “

Her inspiration, she says, stems from death and transformation:

– Our own death and that of those we love
– Subconscious fears
– The body, the soul, what remains of us? What imprint do we leave behind?
– How do we remember the dead?
– Death and beauty?

I question the subconscious, but I do not attempt to answer, as that which is important slumbers within us. Trying to understand the perpetual transformation cycle is like going down a path on which fear has no place, and on which the divine within all of us comes to light. I work essentially with recycled materials in an attempt to reveal their sacred dimensions, beyond codes and beyond time.

Les gardiennes du temple: ” Marianne ”

Les gardiennes du temple: “Le fardue”

Les gardiennes du temple: ” Rose Coco “

Svene is currently working on a “more ambitious project, an initiatory journey with installations to bring an emotional and sensory link” to her sculptures. She is planning for a show to take place in 2011 and is scouting out locations for this exhibition. More of her works can be found here.

Posted by Guest Blogger: S. Elizabeth on March 29th, 2010
Filed under Art, Fairy Tales, Memento Mori, Sculpture