influences

Lately I have been considering my approach to sculpting the figure and working with clay in general. i thought I would examine some of the work I like that has the qualities that I find exciting and attractive. Theses works by Peter Voulkos, Stephen De Staebler, and Wanxin Zahng demonstrate the freedom, and expressive qualites that inspire me.

New work

Here is a photo of the piece I am currently working on. with this piece I plan to draw simple forms on the surface like a tattoo, and color it with slips terra sigs, and post fire paints. Since the beginning of grad school I have been struggling with the application of the drawing I make to my sculptural figures. with this piece I hope to shorten that gap, and perhaps use it as a departure into sculptural work with more emphasis on environment, space, and shape.

Studio progress

here are some shots of new work in progress, Ive been swinging to a larger scale with these pieces, the female figure being the largest. This is my first attempt at building a large standing form solid. For some reason I was trying to avoid using any sort of internal armature but I finally had to out of necesity and relaized how much freedom that support gave me. I REALLY enjoy building solid on this frame that holds the clay up! Its so simple but it really amazes me. anyway i thought id post some shots of this figure on the armature that i created by drilling holes in a board and running dowels through. I'll post some more progress shots in the future.

Current Work

I thought I'd post some shots of some work in progress. Lately I have been working on incorporating environmental elements into my figures. I've been tightening up the modeling on these two which are doll sized. I think this is caused by the scale but also I think the routines and schedule of my classes influence me indirectly to tighten up when working. I'll post some color test progress soon when i get some shots.

1501 State St. Erie, PA

Here are Some Photos From our show in Erie on Sept. 27th. I didn't get very good photos of the Artwork But the installation and space came together nicely. It was allot of hard work in a very short amount of time with many unforeseen obstacles ;). We couldn't have pulled it off without solid teamwork! Exhibiting Artists: Derek Decker, Patrick Falzone, Cara Jung, Courtney McManus, Eric Thayer, Sean Wayling and myself.
Also a very special Thanks to our beautiful Bartenders Erin and Melissa not only for volunteering their time during the show but for their tremendous efforts helping to organize the opening. We couldn't have done it without you!

Photo Shoot

Just thought I'd post some work from my most recent Photo shoot.

New work

I've been thinking about the incorperation of an environment in my figures and this is one result. I want the pedestal to act as an extention of the individual, or a creation of theirs to reflect their personality. In a way, to demonstrate our cultures emphasis on the self, and deal with issues of individuality, insecurity, and solitary thoughts. Increasingly i have been enjoying the scale of the figurine, and feel like the association with toys works well with my concept. I want my figures to be like toys that have been played with; in a figurative sense. Thoes that pearch on a tower or are atatched to some base or burden, in a way would be playing with the creation of that object and would refrence a ripple effect of influence.