Bio
Saba Besier is a Pakistani-born American environmental sculptor, working primarily in porcelain. Her work is both a commentary on the plight of oceanic organisms, as well as a celebration of the bizarre beauty for the many species we are losing.
She studied textiles in London at the American Intercontinental University, received her BFA at the University of North Texas and an MFA from Pratt Institute.
She initially collaborated with her father, creating nature-based work with subtle environmental commentary. Her interest grew toward the impact of climate change on our oceans, and her focus evolved to the struggle of oceanic organisms as well as its impact on humanity.
Saba received The international Leonardo De Vinci Prize – The Universal Artist, Borghesi Palace, Florence in 2019, received The Special Commendation award by the President of the XII Florence International Biennale Florence Italy, was awarded The Artist of the Future Award - Contemporary Art Curator in 2020, has been featured in numerous publications such as Terrain, Friends of the Artist, Marvelous Artists Book No:2: Collective Art Book Series, Art Magazineium, and Thought Art. Saba has been exhibiting her work in galleries, nationally and internationally for over 25 years, and currently resides in Dallas, TX.
Artist Statement
My sculptural works are inspired by delightful freaks of nature, bringing awareness to their plight, while celebrating the bizarre beauty of the many species we are losing. Due to ecological trauma, these imaginative floras are disappearing from underwater, disrupting ecosystems as they go. Because of climate change, the ocean as a system is at risk, struggling to keep pace with human caused conditions. The sculptural forms intermingle what could exist through caustic mutation or evolve on other planets if we deplete our own resources. These science fiction-like growths combine plant, mineral, metal and human representations, depicting the existence of other-worldly creatures. I have found porcelain to be my primary medium due to its luminous characteristic, adding an element of hope to the despondency of my subject. I subscribe to the Bauhaus sensibility of combining intense relationship with the process of craft and Fine Art. Each work draws on a hard-earned expertise in the techniques of slab building, throwing, hand sculpting, metallurgy and alchemy. I have chosen to maintain the inherent ivory coloration of porcelain in the forms to echo the bleaching that is happening to many sea organisms, and at times accompanied by black to signify the disruption they face.