Sanctuaries in the Snow

The Peaks Sculpture (Snowmass)

According to a brass plaque that used to be mounted on a wall here, this sculpture was done in 2005 by Barbara Sorensen and was called "Peaks."  This sculpture was removed in 2012.  Photos of the sculpture and the plaque are below.  The sculpture consisted of 29 forms measuring  approximately 20" X 11" X 3".  It was located in the Snowmass Village Mall.  For more information on the artist, see this page for her web site:  http://barbarasorensen.com/, and also see the section below following the photos for her "biography" which is shown on her web site.  The artist had this to say about the sculpture:  "The 'Peaks' sculpture is a group of miniature paintings in clay, representing the geologic landscape of Colorado.  Seas of ancient years are recorded as I drape and mold the clay to interpret the earth's formation.  Imbedded in the surface of the clay are stones which I have collected from the river beds of the region."  http://www.tosv.com/uploads/FileUpload/SAAB_Final_Art_Walk_Map.pdf

If you have any photos of or information about this item that you would like to share for use on this page, please send to the author at [email protected].

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Click on images to enlarge.

BIOGRAPHY of Barbara Sorensen, from her web site.

Barbara Sorensen is a nationally recognized sculptor and printmaker best known for her large-scale geological forms in clay, resins and metals.  In her work, Sorensen forms hand built structures which are simple and balanced. Sorensen pushes the clay out from within, expanding the shape to emulate the earth’s crust.   Highly textured surfaces and hints of gold create an ambiguity in her work suggesting a reference to antiquity.

Moving from her original works in clay, Sorensen has recently focused her energy on large-scale works in metal and resins constructing environmental vessels which focus on human-landscape relationships. Inspired by her travels to the worlds most rugged and remote settings, Sorensen’s simple, yet monumental forms take the viewer on a topographical expedition.  She sees the vast landscape as an allegory for life.  “Most of my forms relate to the notion of the vessel which I feel represents containers of our spirits as metaphors for our bodies.  It teaches me that there is a rhythm to life, an ebb and flow with ourselves and others as we continue to move inward and outward while maintaining a sense of forward momentum.”

Educated at the University of Wisconsin, Sorensen has studied art around the world with leading ceramic artists including mentors Peter Voulkos, Paul Soldner and Rudy Autio, who calls Sorensen’s “looming forms…balanced ambiguously, challenging gravity in defiance of an uneasy truce with nature...”

With studios in Snowmass Village, Colorado and Winter Park, Florida, Sorensen continues her progress as an artist through the study of environment and geological formations through extensive travels and continued explorations.

Sanctuaries in the Snow

The Shrines of Aspen/Snowmass (Including Plaques, Memorials, Displays and miscellaneous items) All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission from the author. For any such permission contact [email protected]

  • David C. Wood
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