Description
‘Blue Stockings’ by Shelby Clark
Artist: Shelby Clark
Title: ‘Blue Stockings’
Medium: Polymer clay, acrylics, and birch wood
Dimensions: 9″ x 9.5″ x 5″
Framing: N/A
Year of Creation: 2024
About the Artwork:
“Wolves, in addition to being one of my very favorite animals, are well-known for their intelligence and allegiance to their packs. Female wolves in particular exhibit a number of unique behaviors, such as alloparenting: a reproductive strategy in which pups are cared for by not only its parents, but also other non-breeding, often female, wolves. I’m fascinated by this social dynamic, which places importance more upon the pack than that of a singular wolf.
In like, humanity is well-versed in “power in numbers.” When selecting the color for my wolf sculpture, and in contemplating this striking wolf dynamic, I was reminded of the term “bluestocking.”
This term, which originally referred to men and women interested in discussing literary or intellectual matters, transformed upon the creation of the “Blue Stockings Society” in the 18th Century. Led by British social reformer, patron of the arts, critic, and writer, Elizabeth Montagu, the Blue Stockings Society was a literary discussion group that focused upon education, rather than the socially acceptable, traditional conversations women of the time were expected to participate in.
This society, much like female wolves, vastly advanced womens’ roles, capabilities, and power for generations to come. Thus, blue seemed to be a natural selection for this piece, save for one golden eye, which I feel represents the richness women provide to their communities.” – Shelby Clark
About the Artist:
(Artist Bio)
Shelby Clark is a sculptor originally from Pass Christian, Mississippi. She received her BA in English Literature from Flagler College in 2020, where she also minored in Environmental Science and Creative Writing. Following her graduation, Clark began experimenting with polymer clay and air dry clay. Since then, she has been honored to be included in group shows at the St. Augustine Art Association in St. Augustine Florida, at Arch Enemy Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum in St. Augustine, Florida, and at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation in Watkinsville, Georgia. In August 2023 she placed as a finalist in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Founders’ Emerging Artist category.
In addition to sculpting, Clark is a published poet with works most recently featured in the New Orleans Review, Rougarou: Journal of Arts and Literature, and the Nashville Review. She currently lives in Jacksonville with her fiancé, two dogs, cat, and hedgehog.