Image: Morphology Series, Detail.
Artist: Bambi Waterman. Photo Credit: Robyn Beattie.
Artist: Bambi Waterman. Photo Credit: Robyn Beattie.
Bio, Contact Info. & Artist Statements.
Bambi L. Waterman
Email: bambiwaterman@gmail.com
bambiwatermanart1@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Mills College, Oakland, CA
MFA Degree
San Francisco Art Institute,
San Francisco, CA
BFA Degree, Sculpture
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Instructor,
The College of Marin, Art Department
Kentfield, CA
Fall 2002, thru Fall 2006.
Substitute Instructor / Guest Artist
Sonoma State University, Art Department.,
Rohnert Park, CA
Instructor,
California State University, Hayward
Hayward Art Department.,
Oakland, CA
Fall 2001, Winter and Spring 2002 Quarters.
Substitute Instructor
The College of Marin, Art Department
Kentfield, CA
Since Fall 2001
Guest Artist / Substitute Instructor
California State University, Hayward
Spring 2001
Teachers Asst. / Technical Asst., Art Department.,
Mills College, Oakland, CA, 2000 - 2001
Instructor - Sculpture Dept.,
San Francisco Art Institute,
San Francisco, CA
Summer 1999
RESEARCH: California Academy of Sciences, Senior Collections Manager; Norman Penny Ph.D.
Artist-Theory: Teacher & Practice, Professor; Rozanne Stringer
Externship: with San Francisco City Schools Art Program.
GRANTS,SCHOLARSHIPS, AND AWARDS
TOSA Studio Award Nomination,
Minnesota St. Project, San Francisco CA
Nominated by Hung Liu
Winter 2020
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art S.E.C.A. Award Nomination,
Nominated by Hung Liu
Winter 2019
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Merit Award.
Bibliophoria V Juried Exhibition, Juror: Macy Chadwick
Summer 2018
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Coordinator Award.
BEASTIES Juried Exhibition, Juror: Jan Wurm
Fall 2014
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Merit Award.
Bibliophoria III Juried Exhibition, Juror: Mary Austin
Summer 2014
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Merit Award.
“VESSELS” Juried Exhibition, Juror: Khysie Horn
Winter 2014
Eleanor Crum Ceramic Award -
Spring 2001
Mills College Graduate Research Grant -
Spring 2001
Nell Stinton Graduate Scholarship Award -
2000 - 2001
Graduate Faculty Nomination;
Dedalus Foundation Fellowship -
Spring 2000
Isaac Walter Sculpture Award -
Spring 2000
SFAI Graduate Merit Fellowship Grant -
Spring 1999
SFAI Sobel Merit Scholarship -
1996 - 1998
SFAI Community College Scholarship -
1996 - 1998
C.C.A.C. Faculty Honors Award / Grant -
1996 - 1997
Robert L. Bruckman Memorial Scholarship -
Spring 1996
Marge Cutler Award / Grant -
1995 - 1996
Marin Education Foundation Full Scholarship Grant -
1994 to 1999 ( Five consecutive years )
College of Marin Teachers Association Scholarship -
Spring 1995 ( Art Department )
CURRENT GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Paul Mahder Gallery,
Healdsberg, CA
The Loft Galleria
Centro Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Lori Austin Gallery,
Sebastopol, CA
Abrams Claghorn Gallery
Albany, CA
Calabi Gallery
Santa Rosa, CA
MOST RECENT SELECTED EXHIBITIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
"Color of Water"
Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Sebastopol, CA
Juror: Lori Austin
Winter 2023
"Shimmer"
Abrams Claghorn Gallery
Berkeley, CA
Spring 2022
" Art on the Edge"
Gallery Route One
Pt. Reyes Station, CA
Fall 2021
"Extraction: Art on the Edge of the Abyss"
Calabi Gallery
Santa Rosa, CA
Summer 2021
"Slice"
Pence Gallery
Davis, CA
Juror: Faith Mc Kinnie
Summer 2021
"Off Center"
Blueline Arts
Roseville, CA
Juror: Magdolene Dystra
Spring 2021
"The de Young Open Exhibition"
The de Young Museum, San Francisco CA
Juried Exhibition, Jurors: four Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Curators in charge and
prominent Bay Area Artists, Mildred Howard, Hung Liu, and Enrique Chagoya.
Two Sculptural Pieces were chosen from 11,514 artworks submitted by 6,188 artists.
Fall 2020
"Paper Dreams"
Abrams Claghorn Gallery
Berkeley, CA
Fall 2020
"The Crocker Kingsley Art Competition"
Blue line Arts, Juried Exhibition,
Juror: David Pagel
Roseville, CA
Winter 2019
The Loft Galleria
Centro Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Curator: John C. Strawn
Winter 2019
Lori Austin Gallery
Grand Opening
Curator: Lori Austin
Sebastopol, CA
Winter 2019
Paul Mahder Gallery
Curators: John C. Strawn and Paul Mahder
Healdsberg, CA
Fall 2018 / Winter 2019
"Off Center"
Blue line Arts, Juried Exhibition,
Juror: Michelle Gregor
Roseville, CA
Summer 2018
"Bibliophoria V"
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Juried Exhibition,
Juror: Macy Chadwick
Sebastopol CA
Summer 2018
"4 Squared"
Arc Gallery
Curators: Michael Yochum and Matthew Frederick
San Francisco, CA
Summer 2017
Calabi Gallery
Curator: Denis Calabi
Santa Rosa, CA
Summer 2016
"Reflections and Shadows"
Healdsberg Center for the Arts
Healdsberg, CA
Summer 2016
Biodiversity, a closer look
a collaboration of two Artists
Bambi Waterman and Krista Anandakuttan
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Gallery II
Sebastopol, CA
Winter 2016
C2 Gallery
Curator: Gregory Roberts
Petaluma, CA
Winter 2015
Solo Show, " Reflection"
Abrams Claghorn Gallery
Curator: Robert Abrams
Albany, CA
Fall 2015
“California Now“
Clay, Glass, & Enamel Juried Exhibition,
Sponsored by the Center for Enamel Art and The Association of Clay & Glass Artist of California,
Hosted by the Richmond Art Center
Jurors:Beth Ann Gerstein, Mary Bayard White, Deborah Lozier
Richmond, CA
Summer 2015
“America‘s Clay Fest“
Blue line Arts, Juried Exhibition,
Jurors: Tip Toland, and Peter Held
Roseville, CA
Spring 2015
Abrams Claghorn Gallery
Grand Opening Exhibition,
Curators: Dayana Claghorn & Robert Abrams
Albany, CA
Spring 2015
“Impulse”
Arc Gallery, Juried Exhibition,
Jurors: Michael Yochum, Priscilla Otani, Stephen C. Wagner, & Matthew Frederick
San Francisco, CA
Winter 2015
“Wetlands”
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Juried Exhibition,
Juror: Chester Arnold
Sebastopol, CA
Winter 2015
“BEASTIES”
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Juried Exhibition,
Juror: Jan Wurm
Sebastopol, CA
Fall 2014
17th Annual Dia de los Muertos 2014
San Jose City Hall Rotunda, Juried Exhibition,
Juror: Tulio Flores.
San Jose, CA
Fall 2014
“Big Ideas” 1950-1970: Influences in Modern Ceramics
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Juried Exhibition,
Jurors: Joel Bennett, Robert Brent, and Bill Geisinger
Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Sebastopol, CA
Fall 2014
"Bibilophoria II"
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Juried Exhibition,
Juror: Mary Austin
Sebastopol, CA
Summer 2014
“VESSELS”
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Juried Exhibition,
Juror: Khysie Horn
Sebastopol, CA
Winter 2014
"Art From the Heart"
Sonoma State University Gallery
Rohnert Park, CA,
Winter's 2003 - 2019
“Home”
Micro Gallery
Santa Rosa, CA
Summer 2008
“Objections”
The Michael Berger Gallery
Curator: Deidre Daw
Pittsburgh, PA
Spring 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Art Reviews
Pittsburgh, PA
April 9, 2008
“Fire good”
A Street Gallery
Santa Rosa, CA
Spring 2006
“The Magnificent Seven”
Sonoma State University Gallery
Curator: Michael Swager
Rohnert Park, CA
Fall 2005
Hands in Clay
Charlotte F. Speight, John Toki
5th Edition 2003
Ceramics
Art and Perception
Australia
2003 Edition
“Cool, Calm, and Collected”
Richmond Art Center
Richmond, CA
Winter 2003
Sonoma State University Gallery
Rohnert Park, CA
Winter 2003
Art Week
Volume 33
Fall 2002
San Francisco Art Institute I Magazine
Volume 5
Fall 2002
Olive Hyde Gallery
Fremont, CA
Fall 2002
Fine Arts Gallery, Marin Community College
Kentfield, CA
Spring 1995, Winter 2002, Fall 2006
Sonoma Museum of Visual Art
Santa Rosa, CA
Winter 2002
Traywick Gallery
Berkeley, CA
Summer 2001
East Bay Express
Volume 23
July 2001
Mills College Art Museum
Oakland, CA
Spring 2001
Calumet Studios
San Francisco, CA
Spring 2001
“Crossroads”
Walter / Mc Bean Gallery
San Francisco, CA
Winter 2000
Diego Rivera Gallery
San Francisco, CA
Spring 1999, 1998, 1999
Marin County Fine Arts Exhibition
San Rafael, CA
Summer 1995 & 1998
ARTIST STATEMENTS
Artist Statement
Reflection Pools
Bambi Waterman
A small body of still Water.
The surface shows us an image.
It is a manifest or testimony to our behavior as humans, and the
consequences of our actions.
It is something to meditate on and consider-
Past the image of our reflection, are the cells of our senses.
Our faculties transmitting sensation.
Consciousness.
Awareness.
Like a drop of water touching the pools surface, ripples outward disrupt the
surface image, creating imperfections.
As Humans each of our cells are unique and different.
The sight of that surface image is only one aspect to be perceived.
To be reflected or be reflected upon.
A Consideration.
Artist Statement
Home
A Book of Memories
It provides us with our most basic needs; shelter, security, rest and comfort.
When it is suddenly taken from us it is a tragedy which throws us into a
state of distress, fear, anxiety and despair.
Whatever the causes that displace people from their homes, be it war or a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, the victims often do not have much time to gather their belongings before they flee. Indeed, more often than not they carry with them only their memories of the past.
The Domicile we call our “house”, no matter how modest, is a cherished object, a possession which is layered with memory. Each memory is unique to the individual regardless of the person’s social or economic background. A sterile, base monetary value cannot be placed upon one’s individual memories.
How can a unaffected outside arbitrator, concerned only with his own best interests, be allowed to calculate the value of that which we hold dear?
Bambi Waterman
Artist Statement
Reliquary Series
Bambi Waterman
The primary focus of my work has been an investigation of form in the natural
world. I have currently been in the process of a continuation of my recent series of
work which had taken on the formidable subjects of evolution and morphology.
This continuation of thought includes the Brain as the biological as well as the
spiritual center of life and it’s realms of possibility. This includes the discussion of
science (for our need to explain) and spirituality ( to comfort). My intensive
explorations with porcelain clay have aspired to lend a clarity and beauty to the
subtle complexities found in the process of life forms, with relationship to the cycles
of existence. The Reliquary’s ritual compartmentalization of fictional specimen
brain types symbolize the Archives of thought, memory and the cycles of existence.
Artist Statement
Morphology Series
Bambi Waterman
The primary focus of my work has been a investigation of form in the
natural world and has currently taken on the formidable subjects of
evolution and morphology. Morphology is defined as; “The branch of
biology that deals with the form and structure of animals and plants. “1
My intensive explorations with porcelain clay have aspired to lend a
clarity and beauty to the subtle complexities found in the growth of life
forms. The development of my work has taken a path parallel to natural
science in relation to morphology. Through the use of porcelain clay, my
imagination, research, and the inspiration of the natural world, I have
created a series of sculptural forms. These have developed and evolved in
form and structure.
My interest in natural science has led me to explore the idea of fictional
science. This opens up the creative feasibility of futuristic biological and
metamorphic growth. As Artist / Scientist, my creations also become the
collections of multiple specimens in which the specimens, like found
objects, become a source of viewers curiosity. My research for this work
has included Darcy Thompson’s classic “On Growth and Form” as well as
other standards of biology. However, my work attempts to exceed a
simple portrayal of morphology by its use of fantasy, display,
categorization, and visual note-taking. As in the methods of scientific
display, related forms and species are categorized and viewed together.
These objects are often displayed repetitively by the use of two
dimensional imagery. The use of repetitive imagery such as
photography, combined with the objects themselves, help us to
investigate realms not ordinarily explored. By creating my own
interpretation, and alternating the methods of display, I’m questioning
my culture’s need to explain, to group, to narrate, and it’s reliance on
science for providing the scaffolding for understanding our world.
My use of black and white imagery; photography, digital imaging and
the sculptural forms themselves, create a visual representation which
eludes the element of time. Life cycles of growth and decomposition have
become frozen points of an organism’s morphology. This lends a
timelessness to the subjects in which they could be viewed as being from
either the future or the distant past.
“Forms of related organisms, in order to show that the differences
between them are as a general rule simple and symmetrical, and just
such as might have been brought about by a slight and simple change in the system of forces to which the living and growing organism was exposed”2
1 Webster's New World Dictionary, Second College Edition, William Collins Publishers, Inc., 1980, pg. 972
2 Sir D'arcy Wentworth Thompson, " On Growth and Form" (Cambridge:at the University Press New York reprinted 1943.)
Artist Statement
The Chalkboard Series
Once Upon A Time There - Were?
Bambi Waterman
Throughout my life my two main passionate interests have been making Art, and
the compassion towards Animals. Through my Art I am hoping to help give a voice
to the Animals I portray in the Pictures. Our Planet is in the throes of what
Scientists call The Sixth Major Extinction, triggered not by a catastrophic and
“unavoidable act of Nature” but by the impact of Human Society alone. As
Children our first images are in Picture Stories filled with Wild Animals, which
capture our imagination of a World full of wonder and possibility. Once in School
we are taught about the vastness of our Earth, its Geography, the various Species,
their Biological diversity, and our connectedness. I have chosen the Blackboard as a
representation of a time past, when little thought of Wild Creatures, or Places, were
considered as something that could be lost. The black and white Images of each
Animal trying to hide behind a last blade of Grass or a single Branch, Is a symbolic
gesture for the loss of Habitat due to Human encroachment. Drawing in Chalk Is
like stepping back in Time, but unlike a Photograph which captures a moment in
Time, Chalk can be erased. As an Artist, with most Drawings, we have an instinct
to protect and preserve the Images we most care about. The use of the larger than
life Images are inescapable, in which the Viewer is subjected to Our shared
responsibility of precious preservation. My hope is that this topic of urgent need
will not so easily be forgotten, and Future Generations will have Wild Spaces with Wild Animals,
and not just be portrayed in Photographs, or as stuffed Corpses in Natural History Museums.
They are important if for no other reason than they are among the most wonderful expressions on Earth.
Each of us has a Gift, and each of us can make small steps toward helping the Planet and It’s Species,
it all makes a difference. I would like to use my gift in some small way to help the effort,
to help the ones who cannot help themselves. To give Them a voice.
Once a Species is gone it’s gone forever,
and like a Chalk Drawing on a Sidewalk once it has been washed away,
only a memory of that Image is left. Forever is forever.
Artist Statement
Reflection Pools
Bambi Waterman
A small body of still Water.
The surface shows us an image.
It is a manifest or testimony to our behavior as humans, and the
consequences of our actions.
It is something to meditate on and consider-
Past the image of our reflection, are the cells of our senses.
Our faculties transmitting sensation.
Consciousness.
Awareness.
Like a drop of water touching the pools surface, ripples outward disrupt the
surface image, creating imperfections.
As Humans each of our cells are unique and different.
The sight of that surface image is only one aspect to be perceived.
To be reflected or be reflected upon.
A Consideration.
Artist Statement
Home
A Book of Memories
It provides us with our most basic needs; shelter, security, rest and comfort.
When it is suddenly taken from us it is a tragedy which throws us into a
state of distress, fear, anxiety and despair.
Whatever the causes that displace people from their homes, be it war or a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, the victims often do not have much time to gather their belongings before they flee. Indeed, more often than not they carry with them only their memories of the past.
The Domicile we call our “house”, no matter how modest, is a cherished object, a possession which is layered with memory. Each memory is unique to the individual regardless of the person’s social or economic background. A sterile, base monetary value cannot be placed upon one’s individual memories.
How can a unaffected outside arbitrator, concerned only with his own best interests, be allowed to calculate the value of that which we hold dear?
Bambi Waterman
Artist Statement
Reliquary Series
Bambi Waterman
The primary focus of my work has been an investigation of form in the natural
world. I have currently been in the process of a continuation of my recent series of
work which had taken on the formidable subjects of evolution and morphology.
This continuation of thought includes the Brain as the biological as well as the
spiritual center of life and it’s realms of possibility. This includes the discussion of
science (for our need to explain) and spirituality ( to comfort). My intensive
explorations with porcelain clay have aspired to lend a clarity and beauty to the
subtle complexities found in the process of life forms, with relationship to the cycles
of existence. The Reliquary’s ritual compartmentalization of fictional specimen
brain types symbolize the Archives of thought, memory and the cycles of existence.
Artist Statement
Morphology Series
Bambi Waterman
The primary focus of my work has been a investigation of form in the
natural world and has currently taken on the formidable subjects of
evolution and morphology. Morphology is defined as; “The branch of
biology that deals with the form and structure of animals and plants. “1
My intensive explorations with porcelain clay have aspired to lend a
clarity and beauty to the subtle complexities found in the growth of life
forms. The development of my work has taken a path parallel to natural
science in relation to morphology. Through the use of porcelain clay, my
imagination, research, and the inspiration of the natural world, I have
created a series of sculptural forms. These have developed and evolved in
form and structure.
My interest in natural science has led me to explore the idea of fictional
science. This opens up the creative feasibility of futuristic biological and
metamorphic growth. As Artist / Scientist, my creations also become the
collections of multiple specimens in which the specimens, like found
objects, become a source of viewers curiosity. My research for this work
has included Darcy Thompson’s classic “On Growth and Form” as well as
other standards of biology. However, my work attempts to exceed a
simple portrayal of morphology by its use of fantasy, display,
categorization, and visual note-taking. As in the methods of scientific
display, related forms and species are categorized and viewed together.
These objects are often displayed repetitively by the use of two
dimensional imagery. The use of repetitive imagery such as
photography, combined with the objects themselves, help us to
investigate realms not ordinarily explored. By creating my own
interpretation, and alternating the methods of display, I’m questioning
my culture’s need to explain, to group, to narrate, and it’s reliance on
science for providing the scaffolding for understanding our world.
My use of black and white imagery; photography, digital imaging and
the sculptural forms themselves, create a visual representation which
eludes the element of time. Life cycles of growth and decomposition have
become frozen points of an organism’s morphology. This lends a
timelessness to the subjects in which they could be viewed as being from
either the future or the distant past.
“Forms of related organisms, in order to show that the differences
between them are as a general rule simple and symmetrical, and just
such as might have been brought about by a slight and simple change in the system of forces to which the living and growing organism was exposed”2
1 Webster's New World Dictionary, Second College Edition, William Collins Publishers, Inc., 1980, pg. 972
2 Sir D'arcy Wentworth Thompson, " On Growth and Form" (Cambridge:at the University Press New York reprinted 1943.)
Artist Statement
The Chalkboard Series
Once Upon A Time There - Were?
Bambi Waterman
Throughout my life my two main passionate interests have been making Art, and
the compassion towards Animals. Through my Art I am hoping to help give a voice
to the Animals I portray in the Pictures. Our Planet is in the throes of what
Scientists call The Sixth Major Extinction, triggered not by a catastrophic and
“unavoidable act of Nature” but by the impact of Human Society alone. As
Children our first images are in Picture Stories filled with Wild Animals, which
capture our imagination of a World full of wonder and possibility. Once in School
we are taught about the vastness of our Earth, its Geography, the various Species,
their Biological diversity, and our connectedness. I have chosen the Blackboard as a
representation of a time past, when little thought of Wild Creatures, or Places, were
considered as something that could be lost. The black and white Images of each
Animal trying to hide behind a last blade of Grass or a single Branch, Is a symbolic
gesture for the loss of Habitat due to Human encroachment. Drawing in Chalk Is
like stepping back in Time, but unlike a Photograph which captures a moment in
Time, Chalk can be erased. As an Artist, with most Drawings, we have an instinct
to protect and preserve the Images we most care about. The use of the larger than
life Images are inescapable, in which the Viewer is subjected to Our shared
responsibility of precious preservation. My hope is that this topic of urgent need
will not so easily be forgotten, and Future Generations will have Wild Spaces with Wild Animals,
and not just be portrayed in Photographs, or as stuffed Corpses in Natural History Museums.
They are important if for no other reason than they are among the most wonderful expressions on Earth.
Each of us has a Gift, and each of us can make small steps toward helping the Planet and It’s Species,
it all makes a difference. I would like to use my gift in some small way to help the effort,
to help the ones who cannot help themselves. To give Them a voice.
Once a Species is gone it’s gone forever,
and like a Chalk Drawing on a Sidewalk once it has been washed away,
only a memory of that Image is left. Forever is forever.