ARTIST STATEMENT:
Both the left and right side of my brain fire up when working with bronze.
I ride high on artistic thermals and dive deep into technical vortexes.
Many of my sculptures balance a LOT of movement on the ball of a foot.
Sometimes a magnificent bohemian skirt, deeply pocketed and exuberantly pleated, sweeps opposite a dancer’s outstretched arms. Sometimes a figure physically and mentally folds into herself - stretching hamstrings and self-awareness.
My style captures weightlessness by pushing the limits of traditional
lost wax bronze casting.
As of late, I am integrating non-traditional materials with my bronzes.
I can trace this quest back to a collaboration with a local urban graphic artist during the pandemic. So far, I have drawn contrasts and comparisons with not only cement obelisks, rope, and reclaimed sea floats, but also bits of python codes for blockchains and 3D printed accents. This recent work creates a dialogue of classic art mediums in contemporary practice. Bronze is my métier but I am certainly having fun.
Audiences recognize my work through recurring elements such as the interaction between the female form, flowing robes or capes, and negative space. The dominant narrative of my art is how individuals surmount personal challenges. I believe in the “know thyself” attitude and hope to inspire people to express themselves freely and embrace their autonomy.
My theory is that our society is coming full circle in art. In the early 20th century, art took a hard turn away from realism and human representation. Now the importance of the inner experience of individuals needs grounding in the re-humanization of art. Figurative art has become a platform for diverse representation and for artists to explore their identities. The portrayal of my strong, dynamic
figures empowers viewers to hopefully act and overcome their challenges. The free-flowing movement evokes decidedly positive messages, offering viewers a reminder of the opportunities that still exist, even in difficult times.
BIO:
Laura Testé, (b. 1968, Ohio) is a contemporary bronze sculptor whose lithesome figures and billowing bronze drapery capture moments of joy or contemplation. Her visual style is expressive figuration, focusing on the interaction between the female form, flowing gowns or capes, and negative space.
Audiences recognize Laura Testé artworks through recurring elements such as a
well-defined dancer body type and dynamic gestures.
Testé earned degrees in both engineering and design from Stanford University in California. This footing provided the basis for her artistic pivot in 2014 to bronze casting. In her artistic process, Testé challenges herself to achieve a language of movement and poise in a decidedly robust medium. With long thin limbs and deeply pocketed drapery cooling at different rates, her sculptures push the limits of traditional lost wax bronze casting.
Laura Testé solo exhibitions have been hosted by the Arthur Secunda Museum, the University of Michigan Taubman Center, Level One Bank, and LUXE Homes Design Center among others. Group exhibition highlights include sculptures displayed at the Salon Peintres et Sculpteurs of St. Tropez, France and a life-size edition of “Elyse et le Chat” showcased by the Gerald Ford Museum of Michigan, USA.
Laura Testé currently lives, creates & casts her works in Michigan, USA.
ARTISTIC PROGRESSION:
My art career has several distinct periods. Here goes:
VIM & VIGOR was the first phase out of the blocks as a figurative bronze sculptor.
The single figure subject matter was highly concentrated on the power of a gesture and the theme of autonomy.
Pair Series (COVID period) - The shift to deeply bonded pair of figures is not what one expects from an artist during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was winter, it was covid, and I wanted joy.
Deep Dive Phase: These were a series of triptych figurative studies in narrow abstract subjects. Sea Sisters, Saving Venice, About Time, Digital Identity.
And now what? 2025 and beyond: Launching off the series Saving Venice and Digital Identity, I am integrating other materials such as glass or rope into my sculptures.
• I am currently mounting a 5-figure sculpture on an obelisk.
• I am currently casting a figure incorporating a reclaimed sea float from the Marshall Islands that my brother sent to me.
• I am currently modeling a 5ft figurative sculpture in memory for my mentor Albert Young.
CV SUMMARY:
Best known for her bronze female figures embodying motion and feminine energy.
Recognized venues such as Arthur Secunda Museum, Level One Bank, and Bloomfield Birmingham Art Center have hosted and sponsored her solo shows.
Recognized venues including Salon Peintre et Sculpteurs at Salle Jean-Despas St.Tropez and Gerald R. Ford Museum for ArtPrize exhibited works by Testé as part of juried expos. Testé sculptures are on continuous exhibit by J. Petter Galleries (MI) and Reinert Fine Art Galleries (SC) since 2017. GECA gallery, Grimaud, France 2019 - 2023. ART ON FIRST Gallery, Ashland, OR.
Over 35 different private collections hold sculptural works by Laura Testé.
On average for the past five years, Laura Testé sculptures have been on public display at 8 different venues each year through exhibitions and galleries.
Laura Testé received five different awards in the past five years for her bronze sculptures.
