Styrofoam Sky

            

          
             Tara Donovan, a respected artist from Nyack, New York creates her large-scale masterpieces out of various every day materials. Scotch tape, Styrofoam cups, and drinking straws have all been a part of Donovan’s sculptures, which frequently have biomorphic qualities. Biomorphic art focuses on organic shapes with shapeless hints of the forms of biology, connecting with surrealism. As seen in Donovan’s work above, we can connect these Styrofoam cups with the softness and full appearance of the clouds in the sky. Working with such small materials and large canvas must be quite challenging. I would expect physical exhaustion upon completion of this sculpture. Donovan’s inspiration keeps her on track. Her source of inspiration is similar to that of Andy Goldsworthy and Jackson Pollock. The three of them respond to the materials as they work instead of controlling what the materials do. Donovan stated “she chooses the material before she decides what can be done with it (Wikipedia, June 20, 2009).” She also thinks in terms of the materials expanding. Her intention of her work is to mimic nature referring to the way things actually grow. Thus connecting to the expanding of the materials. Things start small and grow larger. She has a unique approach to design and for that she is noted as a truly innovative artist.