Lorraine Lipani

Clay drew my attention from the start—earth that carries magnetic properties. It brings me a sense of peace to have my hands in it, shaping something functional or fantastic. Though I enjoy throwing clay on the wheel my real challenge is sculpture. Nature and mythology inspire forms that are curious and primitive, a bit other-worldly. They display as garden accents, as well as in home.

 

Works within a series reflect an ongoing conversation in clay. Currently I enjoy carving wall plates, relief figures that express my love of horses, and the beauty of the female form. As well, I construct torso sculptures and baths, some whimsical, some reflecting on our inner spiritual natures, masculine and feminine archetypes.

 

Sculptures are most often slab and coil-built, some with wheel-thrown elements. Ideas first appear as sketches in a notebook, then as small maquettes. Fully constructed pieces are colored with stains and glazes, then fired in an electric kiln. I use a mid-range red stoneware clay.

 

I draw inspiration from 25 years of living in northern New Mexico among Pueblo and Hispanic cultures, their deep-rooted love of the earth, and the sense of animism in all of nature. As well, pre-Hellenic arts that reference the 30,000 years of Goddess cultures fascinate me. I admire the works of Henry Moore, Jean Miro, Brancusi, and those of cultures such as Etruscan, Cycladic, African, and Native American.

 

Exhibition Highlights 

Lorraine Lipani has exhibited her works since 1988 in fine art galleries nationally including in Santa Fe NM, Taos NM, Albuquerque, NM, Philadelphia PA and the Philadelphia Flower Show, New Orleans, LA, Scottsdale, AZ, Laguna Beach CA, Malibu, CA, Los Angeles, CA. Residing at The Sea Ranch since 2013, she exhibits at The Discovery Gallery in Gualala and on the annual Studio Discovery Tour. A poet as well, her book “Wild Solitude: Love Poems” received an Indie Excellence award.