Statement
In my sculpture practice I convey that climate justice is social justice. Birds are being killed far before humans by the unavoidable effects of climate change. Similarly, these environmental issues will first impact the most vulnerable humans; those who don’t have the ability or resources to escape impending natural disasters, despite often contributing to climate pollution the least. I am using birds literally to reference the dangers they face in the earth’s future. I am also using birds metaphorically as stand-ins for people to discuss historic and contemporary social issues. Throughout my work I weave in themes of art history, feminism, civil rights, immigration, community, and critiques on colonization and capitalism. Birds are the only species as globally ubiquitous as humans; they have wisdom and warnings to imbue if only we can listen.
Biography
Sarah Conti is a ceramic sculptor who is passionate about ecology, conservation, social issues and sparking conversations about climate change and human impacts on the earth. Sarah is from western Washington, she received her BFA with a sculptural emphasis from University of Idaho. After undergrad she lived in Illinois for three years and was a resident artist at Terra Incognito ceramic studio. She then moved to Portland, Oregon and attended Oregon College of Art and Craft to receive her post baccalaureate in ceramics. Following this, Sarah completed a second ceramics post baccalaureate at the University of Montana. With a group of four other ceramicists Sarah cofounded Wildfire Ceramic Studio in Missoula and ran the in-house gallery. Recently, Sarah relocated to Boise where you can find her working and bird watching.
