ARTISTS STATEMENT ABOUT PRACTICE
As sculptor, I am working with large flat panels of metal cut-outs that are conceived conceptually with playful experimental lines or doodles drawn on paper, the line permutations become independent spaces, a way of ordering forms that will connect spaces within and around that gathering together forms a greater whole . The drawings are moved to a special graphics program on the computer and the subsequent defined forms are cut out -on a water jet machine that mixes sand with water to cut the material for a precise refined-edged result.
The positive cutouts (or the pieces that are actually cut out, like the one that was awarded the prize in Japan) are transformed with hammer and anvil, twisted, bent, folded and welded together to create a gestural flow in three-dimensional space. Then they are powder-coated with brightly colored paint.
The "negative" or void cutout spaces or the large pieces need some rethinking of the metal that are slightly curved with 4 inch frames and left in full sized sheets H8 to 12FT x W4Ft are used as wall or freestanding sculptural panel constructions. Pratt Institute Sculpture Park has two on exhibit, and would like a third one.
Articulating the ideas and search for this new directions with its random beginnings and many different permutations is helped by sharing ideas and teaching, The technique also evolved from my past experience working with pliable clay, and wax used for casting in bronze
My past with clay informs my sculpture, As a student, focused on mastery of the potter's wheel, spontaneity with clay, and produced abstracts studies of shapes, spaces within, without and around. My labyrinth of past insights has made possible framework for conceptual innovations.
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