I was about to embark on the construction of a new ceramic anvil just now, but as I was doing so I began thinking about why I make the things I make. I don’t keep up a constant narrative in my head or in writing, with regards to my work, instead I just make/create things that hold my interest and am attracted to; some of which have special meaning to me. That’s actually not completely true, as I do maintain a near constant narrative in my head; however, it is fairly diffuse, not very consistent, and is very much affected by my mood.
I’ve often been asked about my work and how I come up with the scenes/objects that I do, but I have almost always dodged the question(s); out of modesty as best as I can figure. However, I recognize that if I am going to write a blog, and promote my work that this is something I need to overcome. So, with that backstory in mind, here goes…
I am attracted to things that are quirky, colorful, whimsical, often humorous, and sometimes absurd. Oftentimes they are also grave and subtler than a perfunctory glance might afford. For example, my attraction to moths stems not just from how attractive some of them are (very few to be sure, as most of them are dull in coloring, and admittedly not very welcome in homes or otherwise in life), but also in their underdog status as compared to their Order Lepidoptera mates; butterflies. Everyone loves butterflies, as truly what’s not to like(?), however, precious few people have an attraction to, or appreciation of moths. Furthermore, there is something so pathetically sad (and metaphorical in the easiest sense) about moths’ attraction to artificial light/flame that I find their lot in life endlessly curious and fatalistic.
However, not everything I am attracted to has this deep double meaning and sad undertone. A lot of my subjects simply have great physical and aesthetic qualities, or have something of the absurd about them that I find attractive. For instance, goats are funny to look at, and have a great look about them; what with their bizarre horizontal pupils, spindly legs and bloated bodies, horns and beards, etc. Also, goats’ behavior of wanting to be up high is super charming and funny. That is why I love to top things with a goat, as in real life a goat would wanna be up high. Back east, where I grew up, there was a fairly expansive petting zoo that I often drove by, and out in the front field were many assorted goats, sheep, ponies, etc. There was also an enormous trunk of a tree lying on its side, and the goats would always be on top of this trunk, taking full advantage of the commanding view it offered (often another goat’s butt). Stuff like this leaves a strong impression if you allow it to, and it makes its way into my heart and into my art.
I think this a good place to stop, but will pick it up at a later time.
Peace out.