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Sculpture
requires technical knowledge of materials and ability to alter
techniques…
As
with materials engineers, sculptors must thoroughly understand the
materials of use. Knowledge
leads to confidence and the ability to invent alternative ways of working.
Working with different materials educates and attunes the sculptor
to differences of color, of specific heat, of weight, of texture, etc.
Sculpture interests because of the material qualities that are
revealed during the carving process, and because of the need for dynamic
response during that process.
Carving,
cutting and opening reveal the nature of the material at hand.
Less homogeneous materials are more difficult to work with, less
predictable in their performance.
Each cut may bring new revelation, requiring another decision,
sometimes redirection.
Work becomes dialog.
Even the strongest formal concepts may be modified, perhaps ever so
slightly, as the material asserts its individuality.
Recently,
several pieces have used antique wood, gleaned from the renovations of
very old buildings.
Some of the wood is so discolored and stained that it cannot be
identified or understood from the “outside.”
Carving into it reveals colors, textures, flaws (or features?) and
depths of character that are not predictable.
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