By Carmen Almon
Located in New Orleans, LA
Carmen Almon uses copper sheeting, brass tubing, steel wire and enamel paint to create exquisite botanical sculptures. She captures the fragility of a moment in time by interpreting particular plants based on her memories of them. “These botanical compositions seem to defy their sheet-metal origins to come alive. Branches bend, vines loop, leaves twist, and a few surprising bugs, from butterflies to beetles, drop in to colonize her plants.” Through her work, one is reminded of the beautifully illustrated botanical books of the 17th and 18th century – Linneaeus, Ehret, Redouté – which Carmen often refers to for inspiration. Each piece takes up to twelve weeks to complete, therefore, few are realized each year making them rare treasures.
In reference to our human connection to flowers, Carmen states, “Romance, marriage, funerals. Subconsciously, they represent so many things, innocent beauty, courage in the face of obstacles and continuity in the cycle of life and death. When I work on a plant, I am often thinking of this.”
Almon grew up in Barcelona and Washington DC and resides in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her works are exhibited at the Chinese Porcelain Gallery, NY; and Octavia Art Gallery...
Category
2010s Naturalistic Abell Octovan Art
MaterialsBrass, Copper, Enamel, Steel