 Artist
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For the past three years, I have been working with reclaimed and recycled wood. My sculptures are light weight, and quite often suspended from the ceiling. I strive to define forms and volumes with as little material as possible, while using my interest in structures to create strong and durable work. Many of my sculptures are kinetic. Some move when they are pushed by people. Some are suspended from a single cable and turn with the air currents. Others are motorized and rotate slowly and quietly. Motion brings an additional dimension to the traditional 3D art form and the mechanisms have become an integral part of the work. I have been interested in mathematics and science all of my life. I studied physics for two years in college before I became convinced that sculpture was my passion. Reading about the latest findings and theories in the sciences for the last forty years has given me a good understanding of what has been accomplished and what challenges are ahead. These accomplishments are notable to me because of the creative genius that was at work to see new relationships and establish new principles. The creative process always takes place in the midst of boundaries and limitations. In the case of advances in science, theories must be validated by observation. It’s clear to me now that limitations don’t restrict creativity. They are a necessary ingredient. I have always been interested in math and especially geometry. For the last few years I have been reading about the history of mathematics. It is fascination to learn about the origins of concepts which are so much a part of our lives today. We often forget that they are inventions of the human intellect. There are hundreds, if not thousands of languages spoken in the world today and that is a good thing. But the counting and calculation tools that we use are accepted by nearly 100% of humanity. This says a lot about what kinds of ideas bring people together. Artistic expression has that same universal appeal and cohesive quality. Not all cultures produce the same type of art, but there is cross cultural interest and appreciation. It is very fulfilling for me to be part of such an enterprise and I hope to be more involved in cultural exchanges in the future. I am particularly interested in the history of our understanding of space. As a sculptor, space is very important to me and I need to know as much about it as possible. It’s clear to me now that the physical space that we live in and encounter every day is quite different from the geometric models of space that have been developed over the last four thousand years. Just as scientists make models of atoms, cells or the beginnings of the universe, mathematicians have made models of physical space. Euclidean geometry is the prime example. I believed, for many years, that the ancient geometers had figured out the true nature of spatial relationships. I didn’t think of it as a model, I thought of it as a description of the real world. It took me years to see it the other way. The map is not the territory. I am not sure why, but it is comforting to me to know that even though most of my thoughts and activities are conducted in the context of three mutually perpendicular planes, where the parallel lines don’t meet, I do it because it works well in my small world. If I want to look at it another way, I can. There are many other models where parallel lines do meet and where there are more than three dimensions. Without consciously trying to do so, my work reflects a blending of art, mathematics and science. I’ve spent many years making helixes because they are intriguing and endless in variety. I like mathematical forms that also occur in nature such as logarithmic spirals, helixes, crystal lattices and polyhedra. A few natural examples are the shapes of radiolarians, minimal surfaces generated by soap films, the patterns in sunflowers and the way dried up mud puddles crack. I also love the shapes and patterns that people have invented and the processes and tools for transforming the known into the new. Sometimes the transformations are part of my art work. As I attempt to express myself artistically, I rely on my understanding of the natural shape of things, the shapes and forms which other people have created and the parameters which control the details. I bring my own aesthetic sense and my chosen materials. What comes out is uniquely mine, but it points to its inspirations. My interest is in improving spaces and environments, not just placing pieces of sculpture. I feel that the most important aspect of my work is the direct visual and spatial experience of it. All of my creative energy is directed toward that goal. |
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EDUCATION To top of page
1969 B.F.A. Penn State University
2010
2009
2008
2009
EXPERIENCE
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2011 Fuller Guild of Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION
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NOVEMBER 2011 - Bau-Xi Gallery Show, Toronto, Ontario OCTOBER 2011 - Schack Art Center Show - Everett, WA MARCH 2012 - King County Library System Installation - Auburn, WA |