Elisabeth King Paintings

Elisabeth King is an American sculptor known for her intricate and detailed mixed-media sculptures which often combine aspects of the human figure with mechanical elements, exploring themes of time, movement, and the uncanny. She was born in 1950, and as of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, she is still actively working and contributing to the contemporary art world.

King studied at the California College of the Arts, where she received her BFA, and later at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her MFA. Her education laid a strong foundation in traditional sculptural techniques as well as a propensity for experimentation that would define her later work.

Throughout her career, King has distinguished herself with her meticulous craftsmanship and the philosophical depth of her work. Her sculptures often contain articulated parts that suggest potential motion or animation, engaging with the rich history of automatons and puppetry. This association with movement and life, juxtaposed with the stillness of the sculptural medium, creates a poignant tension that invites viewers to contemplate the boundary between the animate and inanimate.

King's work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United States and internationally. She has also been the recipient of various awards and grants, which acknowledge her innovative approach to sculpture and her contributions to the field of contemporary art.

In addition to her sculptural practice, King has also been involved in education, sharing her knowledge and skills with the next generation of artists. She has held teaching positions at various institutions and has conducted workshops and lectures that reflect her passion for art-making and her dedication to the craft.

As an artist who continues to evolve and challenge her own boundaries, Elisabeth King's legacy lies not only in the objects she creates but also in the thought-provoking questions she poses about the human condition, the nature of life, and the role of art in society.