EVOLVING BODIES OF WORK:
INSPIRATION AND ITERATION
ABSTRACT: A body of work can be looked upon as the result of an artist’s creative interpretations of a particular theme over a period of time, and is a consequence of the following:
INSPIRATION—Visualizing an idea or concept.
CREATION--Using imagination and technical skills, the process of creating new work begins.
ITERATION—The iterative process involves making a series of pieces within the same theme; however, new ideas often emerge while working.
RESULTS—Presenting the work over time through exhibits /social media.
As a woodturner and wood artist, the numerous bodies of work I have created over the years have been inspired from many different sources, each body different but having a common aesthetic: that the work is personal, unique and expressive in a non-verbal manner. Inspiration comes from life experiences, memories and the desire to “see” in a much broader context than merely visual imagery. As quoted by the notable Canadian photographer Freeman Patterson: “Seeing, in the finest and broadest sense, means using your senses, your intellect, and your emotions.” (Photography and the Art of Seeing, Van Nostrand Reinhold, Ltd, Toronto, 1979). Through the use of certain design elements used in specific ways, the work becomes identifiable as to the maker, and evidenced in my work, for example, of common themes: the sea, basketweave patterns, rhythmic patterns and intricate lattice patterns found in windows, transoms and grilles created by Chinese artisans on buildings and temples over thousands of years.
FURTHER COMMENTARY: Describing my iconic work requires a “looking back” over several decades of different bodies of work that were created in a desire for creative expression. Expressive work becomes a language, a narrative of lifetime personal experiences, memories, significant interests, and a deep reverence and respect for wood as a material, especially if the source is historically significant. The vessel form, a timeless and ubiquitous artifact throughout civilization, has always been the aesthetic basis of my work.
THEMES:
De La Mer: Having grown up in close proximity to the ocean, much iconic work is based on marine themes—abstractions inspired by the ocean’s beauty, serenity, majesty and, at times, unrelenting fury. Many pieces depict wave patterns and reflections of light, invoking influences of the ocean environment.
Patterns: Derived from architecture and nature, they often lead to work that reflects a possibility rather than a reality, especially if the idea behind the work is contemplated in an abstract sense. The Chungtu Offering Vessel, for example, incorporates portions of lattice patterns that can be discovered on many architecturally elaborate entrance gates of historically old Chinese cities. These gates can be thought of as a metaphorical portal through which transitions occur as in rites of passage, or from one social, cultural, spiritual or religious state to another, wherein an offering vessel is an important attribute.
Material: Wood from historical sites represents an aesthetic challenge for appropriately honoring and preserving its significance. The vessel Ad Astra II was created from a salvaged tulipwood tree originally planted by Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello estate. The “stars” represent an important symbol of early America: it also suggests one of Jefferson’s scientific interests—astronomy. The design of the stars and stripes emphasize movement as one would see in a flag, unfurling in the wind, a metaphor for the aspirations of a new republic.
The following list of links is my invitation to visit the narratives of my expressive journey through the world of art in wood. It is possible that many pieces could have been allocated to more than one link, depending upon their narratives and/or use of specific design elements. For example, work with wave patterns within the “De La Mer” series could logically also be included within other series depicting Nature’s Patterns, Rhythmic Patterns, as well as Signature Work.
DE LA MER SERIES BASKETWEAVE SERIES LATTICE PATTERN SERIES LEAF FORM SERIES
INVITATIONAL SERIES NATURE’S PATTERNS RHYTHMIC PATTERNS EARLIER WORK
DISCOVERY SERIES ARCHITECTURE SERIES SIGNATURE WORK