The introduction of mass production and industrialization provided conveniences for modern society but at the cost of aesthetic negligence of manufactured objects. In the late 19th century, the Arts and Craft Movement sought design reform emphasizing knowledge of materials and mindful selections of ornamentation. Traces of the movement continue in contemporary practices, as evident in work by Jennifer Costa, Teaching Chair and Professor of Art at Illinois Central College.

Costa studied sculpture at the University of North Carolina at Asheville as an undergraduate and East Carolina University, where she completed her MFA. The artist received guidance and encouragement from her sculpture professors without stringent parameters allowing Costa to create utilitarian objects often associated with wood design or craft arts.

Costa identifies as being an artist who is a sculptor that makes functional art. The artist does not get caught up in the definition of fine art versus craft arts; instead, she puts energy towards designing furniture, emphasizing the skill of an artisan intermixed with the vision of a sculptor. Costa has over 29 years of experience in making furniture and is fluent in manipulating aluminum, bronze, steel, glass, and wood.

Costa’s functional sculptures range from traditional to experimental. Utilizing a mixture of elements in her work, Costa combines the softness of wood in contrast to industrial materials or vibrant glass. The artist is passionate about discovering innovative ways to create functional art and is equally enthusiastic about her role as a professor.

During a recent visit with Costa, I had a tour of her classroom at Illinois Central College. Her sculpture studio and courtyard are a flurry of productivity with demonstration pieces and works in progress scattered throughout, all intermingled with students’ artwork. Costa, who exhibits an artist-teacher philosophy, was eagerly prepping for her first vapor aluminum casting of the school year, where she would share the process with her students.

Costa likes the idea of making artwork one can visually appreciate and use at the same time. While the artist frequently sells her original works, she created one piece, in particular, to enjoy in her home. The “Peacock Cabinet” made of quartersawn oak, glass, and bronze exemplifies Costa’s determination, mastery, and critical eye. The artwork was included in the Peoria Riverfront Museum exhibition “Emergence: The National Arts of Central Illinois” in 2017, where I first encountered the sculptor’s work.

The cabinet is of Costa’s design and took the artist over 189 hours to complete. Her admiration of Art Nouveau is reflected in the stained glass, which was an enduring 60 hours to start to finish.

The “Peacock Cabinet” is crafted entirely of the artist’s hand except for the hinges and screws. The handle, cast bronze, reveals Costa’s attention to detail and technical ability. While many woodworkers exhibit their expertise by hiding manufactured fasteners, the cabinet is didactic, a narrative of the process. Costa intentionally reveals how the cabinet is constructed by exposing the silicon bronze screws. Self-styled, the artist has proven her comprehensive knowledge and makes decisions based on formal intentions without limitations.

More of Jennifer Costa’s work may be found at https://jennifercostastudio.com/home.html