Varvara Fern, BFA 2022, MFA 2024

Attended PAFA 2020–2024

MitrofanovaVa@pobox.pafa.edu

 

Varvàra Fern is an artist and sculptor. Born in 1999, she grew up in Moscow, Russia and has been sculpting since her early childhood. She entered Moscow Academic Art Institute, named after V. I. Surikov, where she studied classic and figurative art. Varvàra transferred to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) where she earned her BFA and MFA. She currently lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Varvàra is an elected member at the National Sculpture Society. She has had her works exhibited in numerous galleries throughout the USA, including at National Sculpture Society, Arch Enemy Arts, and Gross McCleaf Gallery. 

 

Artist statement

I consider my art to be emotion cast in a moment. There is certainly something magical in a fleeting image of an idea or of a feeling spellbound into a permanent state of existence. I believe there is only one way to create unique art, that is to make it deeply personal. My work is an exploration of different topics through emotions and feelings.

 

I create sculptures inspired by various themes that capture my attention. Some of my art is a reflection of my own life experiences, and some originates from my sense of fascination and an irresistible desire to explore an idea or an experience resulting in an independent series of artworks. 

 

Emotions and feelings are the most important aspects of my art. I try to show not just the subject that I find thrilling, but the way I feel about it or the way I see it through my own experience. This helps people to see things through my eyes and through my impressions.

 

I work in oil based clay. I’ve been sculpting with oil based clay since my childhood and this material is like a language that I fluently speak as it allows me to give form to all my ideas. Oil based clay is one of the best materials to make casts. So, this medium is perfect to shape images and further experiment with other materials casting my pieces in resin, plaster, and bronze.