Magdolene Dykstra’s ceramic figures have captured considerable attention as this artist’s craft has matured. Recently returned from a year-long residency in the U.K., she explores the conflict between hope and despair. Her childishly proportioned figures, often disturbing, bear the burdens of life’s griefs.
(Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition / Photo: Peter Grevstad)
My characters show our hurt, our depravity, and our brokenness. This baggage weighs us down, and ages us beyond our years, shown in the figures’ tired features. –Magdolene Dykstra, artist statement.
Dykstra originally sculpted in stone, but says she shifted to clay, captured by the immediate responsiveness of the medium and its fleshiness as it pushed back against her hands. A mentorship program for ceramic artists at the Burlington Art Centre helped shape her work.
Many of Dykstra’s works are torsos, enveloped so that only their faces are seen. They are trapped, she says, their spirits ensnared in physical forms.
Magdolene Dykstra’s website, here.
Categories: Sculpture
Canadian Art Junkie 
These are so charming. I have been working on improving my techniques in creating expressions. Thank you for more inspiration.
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Haunting. What scale is the average piece, I wonder?
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The last torso (red body w stripes) is 13 7/8 X 6 X 3 1/4 in. The full figures, seated, are about 19.5 to 20 inches.
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Thanks! I can’t believe you answer every comment. You must get so many.
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thank you all for the wonderful comments! I’ll be showing new work at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition this July. Check it out if you can! http://www.torontooutdoorart.org
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Another nice find!
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Thanks, I really appreciate followers like you!
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I love the two figures sitting cross legged, they seem so child-like in their facial and body expressions but so old in the texture of their skin. It’s such a great visual conflict. I love these sculptures and emotions they exude, which make me want to give each and everyone of these pieces a hug.
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Oh that’s so well put. It applies especially to my favorite, the striped figure with the twisty mouth. Thank you.
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I love that one too, it reminds me of my sister when we were little.
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the last image of the pepto-bismol coloured torso
is reminiscent of a hot water bottle but doesn’t look
like it’d be as soothing!
i have another musical quote to share after seeing
these figures. the regina spektor song ‘apres moi’
‘be afraid of the lame
they’ll inherit your legs
be afraid of the old
they’ll inherit your souls
be afraid of the cold
they’ll inherit your blood.
apres moi le deluge
after me comes the flood.’
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As I’ve said before, I always find your comments so interesting. Thanks for sharing.
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I agree – painful, yet so easy to relate to in some way. She really nails the faces!
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I think the faces are just devastating. So true.
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There’s something about these that are just immensely appealing 🙂
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Yes, universally recognizable aren’t they?
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Faces and bodies so full of – I was going to say tension and character, but Ms Dykstra is more specific. But you’re right – compelling. I’m so glad you showed these to us CAJ:)
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No, I agree with the tension and character. You got it exactly right.
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They are so moving, i am so impressed by her ability to achieve these tortured expressions.
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Moving indeed, I totally agree. That’s a good word, too: tortured. They really are brilliant.
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Working in spiritual care with the dying and living in Wisconsin…just…wow; how greatly these resonate with what I see and feel these days…wonderful!
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That’s such a true connection, isn’t it? I can see how her work would reflect what you’re seeing day to day. Interesting, because I thought of my father-in-law, and his end-of-life dementia, when I first saw her work.
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The facial expressions are out standing..
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I agree, and I think that’s what makes her work so compelling
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