A favorite subject matter, the grand Southern Magnolia and all its parts and pieces...
I am preparing for an exhibition at Eno Gallery in Hillsborough, NC the end of March.
Roughing up the surface of clay is part of my process. Marks are drawn with all manner of tools scattered on my table . Marks are applied after a work is roughly formed. The mark making is spontaneous and fun! Working freely, quickly and with energy add vitality to the work.
This part of my process in clay sculpture reminds me of my approach to painting and drawing. I start with loose, energetic lines in pencil or charcoal quickly adding marks that capture the energy and movement I want to convey. Later I use cross-hatching to build form onto an otherwise 2 dimensional surface. My serrated steel rib, a clay tool. makes a similar kind of cross-hatching when I am working in clay. I am beginning to think my process of work in clay and my painting and drawing are more connected in a way that broadens the opportunities for creativity...
The one on the left is the last one! It is $125. Available in inventory of work for sale.
Some 50 to 60 or more forms have evolved into a large, low floor installation called "A Walk Remembered". The pedestals are differing heights and sizes. The height ranges from 4 -to 30 inches. The installation meanders across the floor, like islands with the appearance of a geometrical topographical map. Each time "A Walk Remembered" is installed it is adapted to the size and shape of the space in which it is set up. The configuration of the pedestals is intended to encourage the viewer to walk slowly and quietly through the installation. This large installation has been shown in many galleries and museums and continues to evolve as individual pieces are purchased and other are added. "A Walk Remembered", consists of all white sculptures that evoke a memory of special people, places and events in my life. The works are forms inspired by the natural treasures I pick up on walks and hikes. Sometimes these forms come as a gift from others who have discovered an exciting form on their own walks. Sometimes, they commemorate special places I have been and special people in my life who have passed on....
The spiral is a highly important and personal symbol to me. In addition, It is a symbol that has appeared though out the history of man. Add to that it's repeated appearance in nature... To share the importance of that symbol, I created a large, flat spiraling shell. In reality the inspiration was a tiny moon shell discovered on a walk at the beach. For me this shell is a reminder that life is always spiraling back to people, places and events that have been important in our lives... then the spiral begins anew but at a different point in time...
Over time, I have come to realize that "A Walk Remembered" is in fact a 3-dimensional journal of my life's journey. It was not my original intention but as it evolved over many years, it's meaning simply revealed itself....
McCall Center, Charlotte, NC
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC
Blue Spiral 1, Asheville, NC
Sumter County Museum of Art, Sumter, SCS
Sumter County Museum of Art
SC Governor's School for the Arts & Humanities, Greenville, SC
Left to right: Meditation Bowl #43 , Meditation Bowl #42 , Meditation Bowl #45
earthenware, air-brushed terra sigillata, oxides, layered glaze liner, see the "inventory of available work" for sizes and prices
Formed from a hand full of white earthenware, oxides added, air-brushed with terra sigillata, 5.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches, SOLD ( can be found on "available work" to the left on my site)
All work is pinched and modeled from white earthenware to the thinness of a delicate sea shell. Surfaces are airbrushed with terra sigillata, oxides are applied and a liner glaze added for contrast. Surfaces invite the touch... and when the meditation bowls are held, a direct connection to the artist and the process can be felt. These are highly personal small works of art are imbued through and through with the artist's spirit...
Meditation Bowl #29, 3 x 6 x 5.5", $165
Meditation Bowl #30, 5 x 5 x 6", $175
Meditation Bowl # 31, 3.25 x 5 x 5", $165
Meditation Bowl #32, 3 x 5.25 x 5", $165
Meditation Bowl #33, 9 x 5 x 5", $175
Meditation Bowl #34, 2.75 x 5 x 5.5", $155
Meditation Bowl #35, 4.5 x 5.5 x 5.5", $175