Solène Chatain ( she her )

 My ‘iron age frescoes‘ series explores the fusion of silica and iron. It has kept me curious for the last couple years. These multimedia sculptures showcase materials that seeded our earth after cosmic explosions and have been with us ever since. I am always on a quest for discarded rusty metal machinery bits whether on the beach or in the forest an they bring about so many questions about industry, technology and ecology.

I often think of the metal parts of my pieces as metaphors for the technology we, human, invent out of need, revere but in the same breath despise and fear. My pieces may remind you of humanity’s historical moments—both past and yet to come—but they also reflect who I am today: imperfect and striving.

Born in France, she fell in love with the wildness of the west coast of Canada in her youth and called it home ever since. It wasn’t until 2012 that Solène Chatain started experimenting with clay. The versatility of this medium to create 3D objects enticed her completely. Before that point, she was making birch bark and leather bags and quivers for international customers.She has since honed her skills in handbuilding with mentors and teachers closed to her community (Samantha Dickie, Debra Sloan to name a couple) as well as with the wider community online (luckily as she resides in a rural community in B.C.). Lately she has dabbled in figurative sculpting for her newest series: ‘Iron age frescoes’.