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Denise Cornelius

“I get my creative inspiration from looking behind the façade, capturing deep and layered emotions behind and beyond female beauty"

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Denise Cornelius

Born in the picturesque city of Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1953, Denise's affinity for the arts was evident from her formative years. Nurtured by a supportive family and inspired by the rich cultural tapestry around her, she naturally gravitated towards a career that would allow her creative spirit to flourish.

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Upon earning her credentials as a decorator, Denise further honed her skills at a prestigious art school in Geneva. She then embarked on a dual career path: teaching drawing at various educational institutions in Lausanne, while simultaneously conducting her own specialized courses in figure drawing with live models.

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In 1994, Denise pivoted her artistic focus towards sculpture, a transition significantly influenced by the mentorship of renowned artist Jacques Barman. Initially working with models and employing a range of materials—including bronze—her sculptural work evolved. For the past four years, she has concentrated on model-free, clay-based creations that encapsulate raw emotions and depict the nuances of human experiences and sittuations.

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A staunch advocate for equality, Denise predominantly sculpts female figures, aiming to amplify the voices of women from diverse backgrounds. Her latest body of work, aptly named the "Emotion Series," features her unique artistic hallmark: a miniature sculpture intricately woven into the hair of the main figure. This serves as a potent symbol, amplifying the emotional depth and physical expression of each piece.

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Over the past two decades, Denise's work has been shown at numerous exhibitions not only in Switzerland and France but has also found a new audience in Austin, Texas.

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