Aubrey Maurer
AQ is our series of hardcover catalogs celebrating extraordinary women artists. Available on Amazon. Visit the AQ Catalog Webpage to learn more.
AQ Volume IV artist Aubrey Maurer is a sculptor and painter from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and a 2022 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. She is interested in sculpture and various forms of art. Maurer draws significant influence from Stephanie Alacon and Faith Ku, whose love for nature and the natural world resonates deeply in her work. She has exhibited at multiple galleries and museums, including the Lancaster Museum of Art, Millersville University, and Grand View Gallery in Reading, Pennsylvania. Over the next few years, she plans to broaden the scope of her exhibitions and expand her overall body of work.
https://www.aubreymaurer.com/
What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?
Inspired by the natural beauty of my home in Pennsylvania, I blend organic forms with abstract elements in my work to deepen viewers' emotional connection to nature and highlight the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. From a young age, I decided to dedicate my life to capturing the art and beauty that surrounds me.
Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?
My artistic endeavors are fueled by a desire to reflect the essence of nature, creating works that feel as though they have emerged from the natural world itself. Inspired by the joy and beauty nature has given me, I aim for my art to make a lasting impact by inviting others to explore and appreciate the complexities and hidden depths of both my sculptures and paintings, as well as the natural environment.
What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?
The most challenging part of my path so far has been balancing my artistic vision with the practical. Creating pieces that reflect the beauty of nature while also navigating their eventual return to the environment presents unique obstacles. To navigate this challenge, I embrace the inherent imperfection of my materials and focus on the process of making art that is both meaningful and transient by placing my work in natural settings.
What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?
Experimentation and exploration are central to my artistic practice. By blending organic forms with abstract elements, I push the boundaries of traditional sculpture, constantly exploring new ways to capture the essence of nature and reflect its impermanence. This approach allows me to navigate the challenges of using stoneware and create pieces that resonate emotionally with viewers. Through experimentation, I seek to discover the delicate balance between form and environment and how my work can evolve naturally when returned to nature, enriching the dialogue between art and the natural world.
Do you have any start or stop rituals before creating?
Before beginning my creative process, I immerse myself in the natural beauty of my surroundings in Pennsylvania, which serves as both inspiration and grounding. I often start by observing objects you would find in nature, like mushrooms or tree bark, and abstract elements in nature that influence my work. This immersion helps me connect deeply with the materials and ideas I plan to explore. I don’t have specific stop rituals, but I allow my pieces to evolve naturally, embracing the impermanence of both my work and the environment. This approach ensures that each creation reflects the fluidity and beauty of nature while respecting its eventual reclamation.
What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?
I hope my art conveys a message of deep connection to the natural world and an appreciation for the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Through my work, I aim to deepen viewers' emotional ties to nature, encouraging them to recognize and embrace the complexities and hidden depths of both my sculptures and the environment. By reflecting the organic and abstract elements of nature, I aspire to inspire a greater awareness of our relationship with the natural world and the transient beauty that surrounds us.
Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going.
Embrace the beauty of imperfection in what you do in everyday life, reminding us all to find inspiration in the evolving and imperfect aspects of life and creation.
