The power of Jozephine Wortelboer’s bronze birds lies in her capacity to generate the character of the animal using very few markings. Because she excludes anything that is not essential and just retains the typical features of the animal, all her birds are clearly recognizable. The artist is able to effectively express the tension in the bronze that she ascertains in the nature of the bird. What characterizes Wortelboer’s work is the light character with which she endows her animals by meticulously building them up from individual pieces of material. Furthermore, she makes sure that the birds remain open, which makes inner spaces visible at certain points. Volume is not filled in but just intimated by the outer shape. Wortelboer also makes this choice to leave more room for the viewers’ own interpretation. The result of the love and devotion with which she brings each and every bronze bird to life, is highly tangible. Due to her eye for detail and the gorgeous patina finish, the sculptures of Jozephine Wortelboer are a delight to the eye.
Education: Minerva Academy, Groningen
