About Eileen
Eileen O'Donnell pursued her love of clay and the art of ancient cultures at Moore College of Art and Design, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture. She has been awarded grants from Creative Capital, the Louisiana Art Works, and most recently, an honorarium from the Deutsch Foundation 2020 Artist Retreat. Her work has been featured throughout the country in solo and juried exhibitions. She has carried her three dimensional design skills into her work as a production designer on… more
Votives/ Rabbits
In 2016 I started a series of rabbits inspired by the ancient Sumerian votive figures. While these rabbits are somewhat naturalistic, I changed the position of the eyes to be more forward facing, more human. The rabbit's arms are encircling a hole in its chest, an inner sanctum. Its ears are at attention- with the left one cocked in a perpetual twitch-always listening. I made a series of these as incense burners, (The Wedding Party) jars, and large votive figures.
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Self with Large Votive Rabbit (in progress)Large Votive Rabbit Clay 54 in. h. x 27 in. w. x 25 in. d.
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Votive Rabbit (jar)Votive Rabbit Clay, glaze 17 in. h. x 6 in. w. x 6 in. d. 2016 In 2016 I started a series of rabbits inspired by the ancient Sumerian votive figures. While these rabbits are somewhat naturalistic, I changed the position of the eyes to be more forward facing, more human. The rabbit's arms are encircling a hole in its chest, an inner sanctum. Its ears are at attention- with the left one cocked in a perpetual twitch-always listening. This particular rabbit is also a functioning jar.
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The Wedding Party"The Wedding Party" CLay, glaze Variable sizes: smallest is 4.75 in. h. x 1.5 in. w. x 2.75 in. d., largest is 9 in. h. x 2.5 in. w. x 3 in. d This set of 12 votive rabbits are functioning incense burners. I was inspired to make these after viewing Sumerian votive figures at the Met. Smoke from the incense in these ritual figures streams out of the "rabbit hole" in the front.
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The Wedding Party, detail, bride and groomThe Wedding Party, detail, bride and groom Clay, glaze 9 in. h. x 2.5 in. w. x 3 in. d. (groom) 7.5 in. h. x 2.25 in. w. 3 in. d. (bride)
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The Wedding Party, detail, bride and groomA cone of incese can be placed in the back of these functioning incense burners. Smoke curls out of the "rabbit hole" in the front and surrounds the figure.
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The Wedding Party, detail, bridesmaids
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The Wedding Party, detailClay, glaze 4.75 in. h. x 1.5 in. w. x 2.75 in. d.
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Votive RabbitVotive Rabbit, clay, underglaze, glaze H 23" W 5 3/4" D 7 1/2 "
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Votive RabbitVotive Rabbit, clay, underglaze, glaze H 23 1/2" W 6" D 8 "
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Votive Rabbit SupremeVotive Rabbit Supreme, Clay, paint H 36" W 14" D 16 "
Jewelry 2
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Fragment from Creative Explosion SeriesThis clay pendant is part of my Creative Explosion Series. I was inspired by Yolandis Visser (of Die Antwoord). Bold and innovative, she defies convention and pushes her art forward in new and unexpected ways. I imagined the pieces in this series as fragments, or remnants of a creative explosion - a shattering force that forges something new. This "fragment" is made out of clay, and is painted with silver and gold enamel.
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Small works
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Pan cries at the spoiling of the EarthThe title of this small pendant sculpture is "Pan cries at the spoiling of the earth." I am often inspired by Greek mythology, and I imagined poor Pan today seeing the destruction of the environment. Pan is 2.25 inches tall, 1.9 inches wide, and 0.9 inches deep. I sculpted the figure out of clay, fired it, then finished it with acrylic paints in various shades of brown, white and green. He has two small white horns emerging from his brown curls, and green and tawny faun ears. The pendant hangs from two strands of black waxed cotton cord (approximately 17 inches). The finding is a nickel-free lobster clasp and ring.
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Getting Out of HandGetting Out of Hand, Clay, underglaze, glaze, thread. H 4" W 2 3/4" D 2 3/4 "
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Woman in kerchief, inspired by Hitchcock
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Cheshire CatCheshire Cat, clay, underglaze, glaze H 4 3/4" W 5 1/4" D 1 1/2 "
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Smoking CaterpillarSmoking Caterpillar, clay, underglaze, glaze H 5 1/4" W 4 1/4" D 1 1/2 "
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Figure in Pink Bunny Costume NecklaceFigure in Pink Bunny Costume Necklace, clay, underglaze, glaze, cord.
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The Knave broochThe Knave brooch
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The Looking Glass broochThe Looking Glass brooch
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White Rabbit figure necklaceWhite Rabbit figure necklace
Small works
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Small rabbitClay, glaze 2.5 in. h. x 1.5 in. w. x 2.5 in. d.
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Votive Rabbitclay, glaze 5.5 in. h. x 2.5 in. w. x. 3 in. d.
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rabbit weightsClay, glaze 3 in. h. x. 1.5 in. w. x 0.5 in. d. These were inspired by an exhibit of ancient weights I saw at the BMA. Merchants and traders used to carry around small weights as a their base line for measurement of goods. The weights were often made out of bronze, iron, or a base metal, and were in the shapes of animals, people, buildings, wheels, and sometimes abstract shapes. I like to think of these small figures rattling around in an ancient trader's pocket.
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What may comeClay, gesso, oil paint, vines, acrylic paint 6.5 in. h. x 6 in. w. x 7.5 in. d. Half woman, half owl, the figure watches and waits.
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Orpheus in the bullrushesClay, gesso, oil paint, vines, acrylic paint. 5 in. h. x 9 in. w. x 5.5 d. The shape of this figure was modeled after an occarina, an often handmade whistle or wind instrument popular in Latin America.
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The Fly Whisk Bearer's IntentionClay, gesso, oil paint, sticks, vines, acrylic paint. 16.5 in. h. x 6 in. w. x 1.5 in. d. The handle is shaped into an owl, the whisk an outstretched hand. Inspired by many years serving delicacies to those with insatiable appetites.
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Donnie Dreams of LegsClay, gesso, oil paint 9 in.h. x 4.25 in.w. x 2.4 in. d We all dream of something (or someone?) we can't have. At the top of the piece "Do Not Disturb" is incised into the clay.
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Carl does his best at the partyClay, gesso, oil paint 12 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 2 in. d. For all you perennial wallflowers...
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W__ E__ weighs his options.Clay, gesso, oil paint. 12 in. h. x 5.25 in. w. x 1.4 in d. A suicidal bird contemplates his lot upon the city's cliff. "W___ E___ weighs his options." is incised into the clay at the top.
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Burgeoning Root
Night Vessels, selected pieces- Enflamed
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GravidClay, polished graphite, sealer 15 in. h. x 5.5 in w. x 6.5 in. d. Coiled around the figures is a snake, whose head has been transformed into a hand that strokes the face of the woman. Below her is another figure, screaming to be born.
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BecomeClay, polished graphite, sealer 16.5 in. h. x 4.75 in. w. x 5 in. d.
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CowardClay, polished graphite, sealer 16 in. h. x 5 in. w. 5 in. d. The figure's expression is one of horror. Below her is the impression of a snake fossilized in the earth, its curves winding like a river. Below that is graffiti- someone has scrawled the word "coward" on the body of the sculpture.
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Pitch and FeatherClay, polished graphite, sealer 18.5 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d. A snake ready to strike guards the figure, who is flanked by a set of wings.
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RetributionClay, polished graphite, sealer 19 in. h. x 5.5 in. w. x 5 in. d. A watchful owl is perched upon the figure. Inscribed into the clay hundreds of times is the word "retribution."
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Root of HateClay, polished graphite, sealer 18 in. h. x 5.75 in. w. x 5.5 in. d.
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DivergedClay, polished graphite, sealer 16.5 in. h. x 6 in. w. x 5 in. d.
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The WellClay, polished graphite, sealer 16 in. h. x 6 in. w. x 5 in. d.
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IncendiaryClay, polished graphite, sealer 18.5 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d.
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Bear, BurnClay, polished graphite, sealer 13 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d. The phrase "Bear, burn" is inscribed into the clay band that binds the figure hundreds of times.
Night Vessels, selected pieces - gentler grouping
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AllowClay, gesso, polished graphite, sealer 10.5 in.h. x 4 in. w. x 4 in. d. A pair of hands, inscribed with the word "allow" hundreds of times, embraces the figure from the back and sides.
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DriftedClay, gesso, polished graphite, sealer 17.5 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5.5 in. d. This piece was selected for the Maryland Art Place's 2014 Saratoga Toga Party benefit and auction.
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Let the unknown take rootClay, gesso, polished graphite, sealer 13.5. in. h. x 6 in. w. x 5 in. d.
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Hear and WashClay, gesso, oil paint 17 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d.
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For Tina X: All Unwritten: Begin AgainClay, gesso, oil paint 13.5 in. h. x 5.75 in. w. x 5.5 in. d.
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Dreaming high and aloneClay, gesso, polished graphite, sealer 11 in. h. x 6 in. w. x 5 in. d. The inside of the vessel is painted sky blue.
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InculcateClay, gesso, polished graphite, sealer 24 in. h. x 11.5 in. w. x 8.5 in. d. For better listening/ absorption, the mouth has been removed.
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Night LadderClay, gesso, polished graphite, sealer 16 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d.
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EmergenceClay, gesso, polished graphite, sealer 11 in. h. x 5.5 in. w. x 5 in. d.
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HuskClay, gesso, polished graphite, sealer 16 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. w.
Earlier work
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Studies after Bacon's Study of Velazquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent XClay, gesso, oil paint Each piece approx., 12 in. h. x 4 in. w. x 4 in. d. "Inside Innocente X" is a more recent piece, also inspired by Bacon and Velazquez.
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VulnerableClay, gesso, oil paint 14.5 in. h. x 4.75 in. w. 6 in. d. This pieces was selected by juror Adrian Arleo for the show "Looking at Ourselves: A Survey of Contemporary Figurative Sculpture" at the Baltimore Clayworks in Fall of 2014.
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Prize of BonesClay, gesso, oil paint 15 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d. This piece was inspired by a Medieval ossuary I viewed at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. Although elaborately worked in precious metals and jewels, the piece resonated with me because of its relationship to the human body. The figure here is inspired by a proud friend from Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
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For Jeremy X: The fire and the rose are oneClay, gesso, oil paint 14.5 in. h. x 4 in. w. x 4.5 in. d. The title is from T.S. Elliot, a reminder of the creative and destructive nature of our world and ourselves.
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I will see youClay, gesso, oil paint 16 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d. Part owl, part human, a watcher in the night.
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Inner TempleClay, gesso, oil paint 14.5 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d. A reminder that even the most world weary posses an inner temple
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PenuryClay, gesso, oil paint 11 in. h. x 4.5 in. w. 4.5 in. d. Two hands, inscribed with the word "penury" squeeze the figure from either side until he is ready to blow his lid.
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What I knowClay, gesso, oil paint 16 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d. Eyes closed to the world, safe in her cage, the figure sleeps. At heart level is the jailer's grate- a symbol I use often in my work. The title is taken from the graffiti someone has scrawled upon her; someone asserting their own identity.
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In my end is my beginningClay, gesso, oil paint 17.5 in. h. x 4.75 in. w. x 4.5 in. d. The title is from T.S. Elliot. A lotus grow out of the head of the figure. Inscribed in a band across its forehead is "in my end is my beginning."
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InitiateClay, gesso, oil paint 15 in. h. x 5 in. w. x 5 in. d. This piece is sibling to "Prize of Bones." Both were inspired by my experience on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The slats inside the figure are both ladder and cage.
Sculpture inspired by ancient ritual vessels (I)
Many cultures have used clay to honor the body, as seen in Egyptian canopic jars, Mayan ritual vessels, and Chinese funerary sculpture, among many others. In my work, I've used clay and traditional forms as a structure to present my experiences as a human in 2015. Technically, there is a logic and beauty in creating these ancient forms, but I think I enjoy just as much the sense of connection to our shared humanity and the past. I also certainly feel free to adapt the forms for my own purposes. These pieces have become my way of participating in a larger world.
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"First Breath" Cicada Vessels"First Breath" Cicada Vessels Clay, glaze 15 in. h. x6.5 in. w. x 7 in. d. 2016 I based this pair off of cicadas when they are just emerging from their old exoskeleton/ shells. How fresh the air must seem- thought it fitting fot the New Year. I made these for my father and his youngest sister- who are indeed a pair.
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"First Breath" Cicada Vessels, detail"First Breath" Cicada Vessels Clay, glaze 15 in. h. x6.5 in. w. x 7 in. d. 2016 I based this pair off of cicadas when they are just emerging from their old exoskeleton/ shells. How fresh the air must seem- thought it fitting fot the New Year. I made these for my father and his youngest sister- who are indeed a pair.
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This Plank My BurdenClay, gesso, oil paint 14.5" x 6,5" x 5" "This Plank My Burden" is a figurative vessel inspired by my Catholic upbringing. The phrase "This Plank My Burden" is incised into the clay around the figure's head, as well as on the cuffs around the hands. At heart level is a jailer's grate for ventilation.
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This Plank My Burdenprofile view
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Time is Not EnoughClay, gesso, oil paint 15" x 3.75" x 4" "Time is Not Enough" was inspired by relatives demanding fresh children. The figure wears a bandit's mask, and is constantly made aware of her situation through the gauge on her belly that monitors "Speed" and "Pressure." Ova surround her like bees. A pair of rabbit's ears keep her attentive.
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I am What Holds Me DownClay, gesso, oil paint 10.5" h. x 3.5"w x 4"d. "I am What Holds Me Down" is the clay embodiment of the realization I have in the face of all my foibles. Owl-like, the figure seems perched for flight- but where there should be wings are a pair of gray hands draining the color out of its feathers and holding it down.
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I am What Holds Me DownDetail view
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Premature CullClay, gesso, oil paint, rope 14.5" x 7.5" x 3.5" "Premature Cull" is a figurative vessel inspired by stories of local oyster fishers. The vessel mimics the form of the Canaanite burial pods I've modeled my sculptures after for years, but also resembles the color and texture of the oyster itself. The expression is of one who is pulled too soon.
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Self Totem, femaleSelf Totem, female - clay, glaze, underglaze. H 22 1/2" W 6" D 8 1/2 "
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Self Totem, maleSelf Totem, male - clay, glaze, underglaze. H 22 1/2" W 6 1/2" D 8 "
Sculpture inspired by ancient ritual vessels (II)
All pieces have been made out of clay.
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Cast your pearls before pigsClay, paint, composite wire, freshwater pearls
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Cast your pearls before pigs (detail)
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MessengerI made this sculpture out of clay, fired it, then finished it with an acrylic base and oil paints. It is entitled "Messenger." If you look closely at the photo, you can see "messenger" incised on the figure's orange chest. I got inspired to make this piece after looking at some West African wooden sculptures used in rituals... I hollowed out his trunk to make a place for a sacred thought- he rides a rocket/ bullet into space - dressed in astronaut gear- launches a message out into the universe and reminds the maker/sender to remember it. I have always been interested in personal rituals and the way we choose to honor ideas/events/people.
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Messenger (detail)
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EverrootThis piece is a censor: it is hollow with an opening in the back for sage or a cone of incense to be burned- smoke flows out of the figure's mouth.
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Everroot (detail)
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Night Axe- Insatiable, Consume My ExcessesThis is the first of a series of night axes- ritual clay axes to be used in the world of dreams and imagination. Of course, these weapons shatter when used in the "real" world. Incised near the top of the shaft is "Consume My Excesses." For every problem there is the right tool, and if you don't have it, make one.
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Night Axe , detail