Life's stories plant seeds in my mind, take shape in my soul, and are born through my sculptures.

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Serena Bates, a Westerly, Rhode Island-based sculptor, breathes life into figures, both human and animal, to whisper and sometimes shout the stories that reside within them. Through the tactile language of clay, bronze, and stone, I seek to capture fleeting moments, enduring emotions, and the intricate connections that bind us to the natural world.

My hands coax form from raw matter, imbuing each piece with a sense of presence and narrative. The gentle curve of a spine, the watchful gaze of an animal's eye, the subtle tension in a leaning figure - these details become the vocabulary of my storytelling. Also, the occasional happy accident creates unexpected humanity. Whether exploring the quiet dignity of a solitary creature or the dynamic interplay between human and animal, my sculptures aim to evoke empathy and spark contemplation.

Rooted in the landscapes and rhythms of coastal Rhode Island, my work often reflects the textures and spirit of this place. The weathered surfaces and organic forms I embrace echo the ebb and flow of the tides and the enduring strength of the natural world. Ultimately, my sculptures are an invitation to pause, to observe, and to listen to the silent narratives that surround us, rendered tangible in three dimensions.

Serena Bates is a renowned sculptor celebrated for her ability to tell compelling stories through her art. Born in 1965 in Quonset, Rhode Island, Serena's artistic journey began at a young age. By the time she was eight or nine, she was already exploring the world around her through pencil and paper sketches. Over the years, her passion for art led her to experiment with various mediums, including charcoal, pastel, oil, and acrylic paint. However, it was her discovery of clay that truly ignited her creative spirit and set her on the path to becoming a sculptor.

Serena pursued formal education in the arts, studying traditional figure painting and anatomy at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Connecticut and the Rhode Island School of Design. She honed her skills under the guidance of esteemed sculptors such as Elizabeth Gordon Chandler, Laci deGerenday, and Don Gale, as well as painters like Aaron Shikler and Dean Keller. This classical training provided her with a strong foundation, which she later combined with her unique artistic vision.

Serena's work is characterized by its narrative quality and emotional depth. She describes herself as a storyteller, using her sculptures to bring life's stories to life. Her pieces often feature animals, both domestic and marine, as well as whimsical and fantastical elements. For example, her sculpture "My Precious" pays homage to Gollum from "The Lord of the Rings," while "Sirena and Octavius" depicts a mermaid in conversation with an octopus. These works invite viewers to engage their imaginations and create their own interpretations of the stories behind the art.

Serena's approach to sculpting is deeply intuitive. She relies on her keen sense of observation and connection to her subjects rather than traditional measurements. This method imbues her work with a sense of vitality and authenticity, often described as "wabi-sabi," a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection.

Throughout her career, Serena has received numerous accolades and exhibited her work in prestigious galleries and exhibitions across the United States and Canada. She is a member of several esteemed organizations, including the National Sculpture Society, the American Society of Marine Artists, and the Salmagundi Club. Her sculptures can be found in private collections nationwide, a testament to her enduring impact on the art world.

Serena's studio is located in Westerly, Rhode Island, where she continues to create and share her visions with the world. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences through her art have solidified her reputation as a masterful sculptor and storyteller.

Awards

Allied Artists of America 111th Annual On-line Exhibition
Sep 1, 2024 - Sep 1, 2025
alliedartistsofamerica.org
Juror: Thomas Folk, PhD, Dr.
Award: Josephine Beardsley Sandor Memorial Award

CAFA 114th Annual Juried Exhibition
Jun 9 - Jul 18, 2025
Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts at the Westerly Library Hoxie Gallery
Westerly, RI
Jurors: Brian Flinn and David Palmquist
Award: Sculpture Honor Award "My Precious"

CT Women Artists 2025 National Open Juried Exhibition
May 27 - Jul 27,2025
William Benton Museum of Art
University of CT, Storrs CT
Juror: Deanna Fitzgerald, Dean of The School of Fine Arts, University of Connecticut
Award: Francis Hudson Storrs Award "Emancipation"

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Exhibitions

Allied Artists of America 112th Annual On-line Exhibition
Sep 1, 2025 - Sep 1, 2026
alliedartistsofamerica.org
Juror: Thomas Folk, PhD, Dr.

Summer Travels On-Line Exhibition
Aug 1 - Aug 31, 2025
salmagundi.org

104th Elected Artist Exhibition
Jul 25 - Sep 11, 2025
Lyme Art Association
Old Lyme, CT
Juror: T.J. Cunningham

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