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Artist's Statement
My studio is a large, well-lighted space in the bottom floor of my house. Kilns, art supplies, and found objects share space there with books, music, pets, and finished and unfinished work. I can see Castle Crags from the windows and hear the trains as they go up and down the canyon. In the studio, I work, daydream, sketch, and read. Usually I'm working on a number of pieces at once. It's good to put a piece aside for awhile, then come back to it later with fresh eyes. That way I can see it more clearly and try not to miss opportunities. All my work has a face. Human or animal, I want the face to convey character and personality, that is, the humor, strength, endurance, and vulnerability life requires. Sometimes I make a face first and then construct the body to complete the figure. Other times a found object or piece of wood will inspire a vision of what a figure should be. To make the figures, I sculpt the head, face, and other body parts of clay or sculpey. If I'm using clay, I apply slip and stains, and fire the pieces in a kiln. I take found wood such as driftwood or recycled furniture parts, and shape them with hand tools. I search through my stockpile of metal things to see what fits, and then assemble the parts to fulfill the vision. My goal is to create a piece where each part is essential to the organic whole. I like to use found objects because they offer an opportunity to see things in a new way, and you never know when an unexpected treasure will turn up! I want to make beauty and meaning from the randomness of life, and hope my figures will spark recognition and a dialog with the viewer. |
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