Similarly, Bal’s work in also influenced by her adult life. “My children also inspire me a lot,” Bal adds. “My characters have sometimes taken their looks, their postures, their reactions. I believe that there is an important part of self-portraiture in my characters.”
In building this fantasy world, Bal draws from personal influences while creating sculptures that reflect universal experiences. Her series of Maternity sculptures—like “Birth of the Little Child” and “Delicatus to the Child”—depict the tender intimacy of parent-child bonding. Her sculptures of sleeping creatures capture the beauty of rest and pleasant dreams; and they can fit in your palm.
Even in stillness Bal’s sculptures can be quite dynamic, like “Child of the Sea III,” where tentacles appear to be blowing in the wind; and “Nebula,” with clouds that seemingly float around a creature who appears to be in the midst of an active meditation.
Earlier characters in Bal’s work frequently appeared with their eyes closed. They often looked as if they were engaged in deep reflection. Lately though, she has veered away from this style. “My recent characters have their eyes open to the world and accept their strangeness,” Bal says. “I need lightness, and I want to have fun with them.”
With the addition of large, energetic eyes, Bal adds a playfulness to the characters. They side-eye viewers with a hint of annoyance or frustration, widen them with glee, and sometimes seem to shoot mischievous glances at other figures.
Bal’s work begins on paper. “I start by filling out sketchbooks. I do very small tiny drawings, a few pencil lines,” she explains. “The materials I then use vary depending on the shape and size of the piece I want to make. Sometimes I take clay that I mold with plaster, sometimes sculpted polystyrene. Then, different layers of materials are superimposed (resin, fiberglass, epoxy clay, putty, etc.) which will be sanded down for a long time so that the curves are soft. Then comes the painting.”
I like to dive back into this world of discovery, creation, games, and intense emotions. I remember my favorite books, my cartoons, my happiness, my fears, and my anger.”