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

Earthworks 52 nd Open Juried Clay Annual
Apr 17 - May 10, 2025
South County Art Association
Kingston, RI
Juror: David Swenson
Award: Second Place, "Amun Ra"

82nd Annual Audubon Online Exhibition
Dec 1, 2024 - Dec 1, 2025
Audubon Artists Inc. audubonartists.org
Juror: Jeffrey Wechler
Award: Audubon Artists Gold Medal of Honor for Sculpture

127th Anniversary Open Juried Exhibition
Nov 28 - Dec 7, 2024
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club
Jurors: Jeffrey Spring, Modern Foundry; Janice Mauro, Sculptor
Award: Joseph Beardsley Sandor Charlotte Dunwiddie Memorial Award for "Joyful Ellie"

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Exhibitions

American Society Of Marine Artists 2025 Art Of The Sea
Sponsored by National Maritime Historical Society & American Society of Marine Artists
Jun 1 - Jul 1, 2025
On-line @ seahistory.org/artofthesea2025

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

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Members & Associates Exhibition
May 6 - Jun 21,2025
On-Line @ clwac.org
Juror: Debra Nadelhoffer, UPA, AIS, ASMA, SEPS

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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