Artist's Statement

Form. It’s all about form. I am a formalist sculptor. I am all about the aesthetics of form.

The forms I sculpt are inspired by the forms I observe in both nature and the built environment. I don’t pull those forms out of their environment and simply apply them to my sculpture. Not literally. These fundamental concepts are deconstructed in my mind, and then I manipulate and reform them. From these ideas, I consciously and subconsciously create forms that appear to have no direct and discernible connection to their inspirations.

Working primarily in the non-objective style allows me to be completely unencumbered by expressive content, and allows the viewer the freedom to understand and appreciate my sculpt forms in any way they desire. The viewer decides the content, if any.  An example of this freedom when “reading” my sculpture occurred when, at the opening reception of a show in which I had a piece, I overheard a couple discussing my piece. (The sculpture was stylistically typical of my work: non-objective carved and assembled wood and stone), The woman turned to her companion and said, “I think it looks like a duck in flight”. Her companion said, “I think it looks like a machine gun”. True story. I wasn’t offended by their interpretations because I only envision my sculptures as visually pleasing forms that express my primary interests: dynamic movement and visual contrasts.

If I can make the viewer want to actually touch the sculpture I made, beyond viewing it from all angles, I’ve been successful. I intend that my pieces be sensual, but not in the sexual context, and instill a desire for the viewer to caress the form.

Yes, I’m a formalist sculptor who cherishes the aesthetics of form.