| For the longest time
I've been wanting to cut loose and incorporate some found objects in my work.
I've always been reluctant to do this since I'm capable of actually making
every element that might be required in a piece of sculpture. However, there
is a serendipitous quality that found objects offer which I find very
appealing and impossible to replicate convincingly.
There are also qualities of texture
and color that is random, there are the accidentals that are the result of
age, wear, tear and abuse that can't easily be faked. The character
of the many items that I collect either at flea markets or
randomly have an independent charm and personality that speak to me
in a very personal way. Therefore I would like to assimilate
some of these pieces into a special series rather than simply dislay
them in a cabinet or covered box, put away in a closet somewhere.
Some independent elements are unusual, some are
even considered collectables, but mostly they are odd bits
and pieces that have no intrinsic value except as material
for me to work with. What's important is that each part becomes integral
with the whole although single elements may certaintly be
appreciated, independent of the work itself. That's okay with
me.
I have created this current series
of works as "habitats" which represent certain features
and personalities that are part of the Quadreverz
realm (my major work in progress). Each piece is essentially
a container form. These forms may have architectural features
or sometimes a different shape, but are always designed to embrace
"outside" elements, not as invited guests, but family instead.
The technique used in the metalwork
is deliberate, straightforward and made without finesse which seems
to feel quite right for this particular form. Although everything is soundly
constructed, the appearance is sometimes a bit simplistic although the intent
of each piece determines the approach I take.
There is a side note to all this.
This series is a kind of revival of a type of work I did in the early
1960's which I used to call "Environmentals". Those works were
constructions made of carved wood and forged metal with independent elements,
but in this case I created each element. Unfortunately I have no photos
of the works done during that time and as far as I know, none
of the pieces have survived, either due to damage or destruction.
(They did take up a lot of room and space was scarce in those days.
I also used to recyle parts and pieces taken from these works.
Well, that's actually a practice I continue to this
day.) |
