The focus of my research project is Petah Coyne. She is a well-known and respected sculptor whose medium and subject matter are as astonishing as the pieces themselves. Coyne was born in Oklahoma City in 1953. In 1973 she attended Kent State University in Ohio and furthered her artistic education in 1977, when she studied at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Through the use of wax, silk flowers and taxidermy, she creates fairy-tale, “Alice in Wonderland” pieces that make the viewer think, feel, and gaze in awe.
When you look at one of Coyne’s sculptures, you can clearly see the complexity and emotion that went into it. A piece titled “Dante’s Inferno”, after the famous novel, depicts the mood of the story but not literally; black wax, deep burgundy silk flowers and stuffed geese are used to display the nightmare-like state you feel when you read it and yet the beauty of the book itself.
Coyne’s Catholic background also comes easily into play in her work. The larger-than-life, rich and almost Victorian extravagancies of the Roman Catholic Church are evident in her style. Beauty and grace frame her pieces as the delicate intricacies weave their way through each work, they reflect the style and wealthy depth that one might see in a Catholic cathedral’s architecture. However, it is not only the visual aspects of Coyne’s work that embody a Catholic air, some of her pieces are based on the practices of the Catholic church. In one particular installation, titled “Alter Mary”, the piece is actually sitting in a church-like setting, with stained-glass windows and stone-like walls. In this piece, she pays tribute to the love of a mother and child like Mary and Jesus’.
In my research, I have found that Coyne is a well-known artist and is respected for her brave choice of materials, subject matter, and skill. As previously stated, she studied at the Art Academy of Cincinnati when she was twenty-four. She was highly influenced by the literary works of Flannery O’Connor, a Catholic writer who often utilized larger-than-life characters and settings and was considered “southern gothic”. In 1989, she was the recipient of the “John Simon Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship” grant, a prestigious award. I’ve learned that Coyne collaborates with a chemist to create a special wax that will not melt until it hits one hundred eighty degrees. Coyne has had many solo and group exhibitions at various prestigious venues including; Mass MoCA, the Cincinnati Art Museum, Kilkenny Castle in Ireland, and Galerie Lelong in New York. Coyne was home schooled and is married. She does not focus on popular contemporary art movements such as, anatomy and politics, but on the things that are important to her and that look glorious.
This research assignment has taught me so much about so many things. From designing a blog to learning more about Oklahoma City, I’ve learned a lot about research, Catholicism, and most of all, Petah Coyne. She is an amazing artist and a very interesting person with a crazy and chaotic childhood that has inspired the beautiful work she’s done today. I’ve never heard of her before this assignment but I’m glad I chose Coyne, she’s opened my eyes to so much and helped me explore the religion we share, I hope to return the favor one day.
