Orange Line Gallery

Artist's Statement

I prefer to have the stone progressively dictate the design of the final sculpture rather than having a preconceived idea of the final form before starting. This leads to many ‘discoveries’ and is a far more exciting approach for the sculptor. I want the stone to reveal to me the form that it wants to be. Working in this manner allows me to repeatedly modify and become more excited with the creative design. Often the formative structure of the stone itself dictates some modification in design.

I strongly prefer to work with abstract designs as I can best establish a desired visual effect that also conveys appropriate feelings. Detaching the viewer’s eye from reality often provides an opportunity to experience the visual experience on a more emotional level. A finished piece is not successful unless both objectives are achieved. People interpret a work of abstract art very differently but it is important to the artist to feel personally attached and satisfied with the result. It is for this reason that I usually do not title the piece as it should be a personal decision of the proud owner.

I like working with stone as a medium because it is inherently three-dimensional. Three-dimensional design is more complex and challenging to deal with as all surfaces need to integrate with each other. The eye must travel around the stone in order to produce the energy and movement required for a successful design. I very often ‘open up’ the stone by carving within and through it, thereby further enhancing and integrating the three dimensional design with both negative and positive spaces.