Who doesn't love a good story? Tales of adventure and mystery have always grabbed my attention. I did not realize it at first, but I, myself, am a storyteller. I tell stories through each sculpture I create. From a rat, lovingly embracing a bird skull, (paying homage to Gollum from Lord of the Rings, as he is titled “My Precious”) to my newest work “Sirena and Octavius” (a whimsical mermaid having a conversation with an octopus). I love fantasy and the unexpected, and I try to bring those elements into my work. In the age of the Internet, fast food, and instant gratification, I want to engage my audience with an idea and let them take the time to use their imaginations, filling in the blanks to create a story for themselves.

I once did an installation at a three-story gallery in New London, CT called “The Hygienic.” It was an old diner in a prior life. In the basement, I discovered an old doorway that had been bricked over and closed permanently. Where had that door gone? Who had bricked it over...and why? My mind immediately went to Edgar Allen Poe, The Telltale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado—and I saw a crow, warning “Nevermore” if we don't change our ways.

As I climbed the winding, creaky staircase up to the gallery, I imagined not just one crow, but an entire flock—a murder of crows, ascending the stairs in dire warning, from basement to second floor; perching on sills; glaring from moldings; and swooping from the ceiling. The collection of crows I created and installed, based on this vision, was described by The Hartford Courant as the gallery's “show-stopper.”

Stories are what define my work, what drive my vision, what inspire my hands...my life. My sculptures bring stories to life, incorporating ideas and visions from people around me, various materials I work with, and my physical environment. These elements connect, often in a sudden burst of illumination that comes well after I have begun the sculpting process. Life's stories plant seeds in my mind, take shape in my soul, and are born through my sculptures. I am honored to share my visions with you.

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

SCAA 97th Annual Members Exhibition
Jul 20 - Aug 10, 2024
South County Art Association
Kingston, RI
Juror: Deborah Baronas
Award: Visconti Sculpture Award (Best Sculpture), "Archimedes"

The Crossings, Annual Juried Show
May 11 - Jun 15, 2024
Hygienic Gallery
New London, CT
Juror: Dana Naumann
Award: Honorable Mention, "Precipice"

SCNY 2024 Members Exhibition
Feb 26 - Mar 29, 2024
Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
Juror: Patricia Watwood
Award: Harry R. Ballinger Memorial Award, "Preaching to the Choir"

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Exhibitions

Salmagundi Club Annual Exhibition - Part 2
Feb 18 - March 15, 2025
Salmagundi Club
New York, NY
Juror: William Jebson, First Vice President, Chairman

79th Annual CT Artist Juried Exhibition
Jan 25 - Feb 28, 2025
Slater Memorial Museum
Norwich, CT
Juror: Sandra Jeknavorian

South County Art Association All Media 1 Exhibition
Jan 16 - Feb 8, 2025
Juror: Kirsten Lamb

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Teaching

MY STUDIO
GROUP AND PRIVATE LESSONS IN OIL, PASTEL, DRAWING, SCULPTURE AND MOLDMAKING

MYSTIC MARINELIFE AQUARIUM
MYSTIC, CT

MYSTIC MUSEUM OF ART
MYSTIC, CT

HOPE VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HOPE VALLEY, RI