Approach to the Figure
My figurative artwork straddles an uneasy balance between traditional and contemporary art. I am well versed both in techniques associated with traditional sculpture (figure, casting) and critical contemporary theories of art practice. My work breaks from traditional academia where the figure is taught as it was in the 19th century; simultaneously the discourse of contemporary art tends to dismiss the human form as an anachronism. I use traditional materials and technique as a discourse of the contemporary.
The human form in art creates an immediate emotive relationship with the viewer, just as music can change heart rate and color can shape mood, the medium of the figure is an expressive form of visceral communication. The sculpted figure allows a contemplative understanding of the self in relation to self & others. This understanding is generated by the autonomic feeling inspired by the figure, coupled with the contemplative space allowed by the nature of the art experience.
My approach to sculpting the figure is an intuitive process grounded in practice with the live model, and familiarity with form and media. The figure acts as a challenging vehicle for exploration: rhythm, balance, and gesture are the core signifiers I engage with, allowing anatomy and naturalism to serve as a secondary consideration to expression. Expression of the figure relates to presence, rather than an overt illustration of mood. Through the practice of removing the figure from a narrative context a greater emotive dialogue may occur, similar to a complex color phrase or musical harmony.
