Artist Statement
My work is an exploration of the life force I feel in nature, whether human, animal, or earth forms. Over the past few years I have been working on sculptural forms that are simplified abstractions indicative of monumental landforms. Previously, I had been creating work based on the human figure. I feel the human figure is still present in the work even though they have taken on the appearance of large boulders or stone markers. These sculptures bear the marks that are the result of the techniques used to create the form. The textured surfaces have become an elemental part of the work. They give the work an active, calligraphic quality.
The forms in my sculptures are constructed of torn clay slabs pressed and paddled into the planes and curves of these abstracted forms. Compression of the surface gives the forms a sense of mass and the surface textures give the forms a quality similar to weathered stone.
I have learned over the years to trust my instincts; to explore the direction the work is taking without imposing a set of ideas or stipulations on the work. My process is intuitive and visceral rather than directed and imposed. I allow the idea to develop over time through the process of making the work. I feel this allows things both conscious and subconscious to come into being. Meaning is revealed through my work rather than dictated by it. In the same way, I hope the viewer will first feel something from the work. Then, as a result of the visceral experience, layers of meaning, content and connection can occur.
Typically, my work explores the relationship of humans to our natural surroundings, and is often expressive of natural rock in surface and color. And through creating these rock-like pieces, I see the way they reflect the human form.