Firefly

Finished an older project, took Professor Nil's advice and burned the wood and then used a piece of metal to attach it to the wall.  Super cool addition, the metal makes the piece move from side to side.  I love pieces that move!  This piece also gave my mother and I time to make art together, it was great spending time with her.

A Pair of Lungs.

Working on a few pieces for Thesis, first one is a carving with little to no work accomplished on it yet and the other is a pair of lungs and a slashed throat.

 The lungs and throat will hopefully be attached to each other after they get fired.  I really enjoy the slice right down the throat, originally I had the throat with four little pouch like features that reached the tubes to the lungs.  I really like how this organ shows damage and age.  I don't like the brand new, right out of the womb look. I assume that has something to do with the saying "those __  gives it character".

These are the lungs, secret balloons really help keep the structure.  These lungs will have some holes as well.  Along with the pair of clay lungs I also will have a smaller metal piece pounded into submission to resemble a bottom half to one of the lungs.  I also plan (when the welding shop opens) to make a bone cage for them.

Ideas after critique 9/18/13

Okay, so one thing Cathrine said really echoed in my mind.  WINGS!!  I like it, I'm not sure which direction I'm going but I will get back to everyone on that.  Afterwords, I took some pictures a leaf.  I really like the curve it has and I like the veins.  I am thinking more about deconstruction, or just getting back to the 'bones' of an object.  AMBIGUITY that is the word of the semester.  (I am a little disappointed in myself for taking a step or two back in progress.  I was at bones why did I suddenly change?)  Anyway, did a little quick sketches while finishing critique as well and I liked what I saw.  Wings, bones and ambiguity.  

 Here I tried to simplify the bug body more, having the hard exoskeleton and possibly some connecting vertebrae down the middle.  I was thinking about carving. (But I might keep this for a welding idea because the metal might make it really cool. Memo to self, NOT the bulky metal try the thinner stuff so I can pound it easier.)





This was another sketch I did while at critique, it reminded me of a leaf as well as having it curve.  While I was sketching I began to separate the curve and make it into smaller areas that curved.  (I think this one would be a great carving!)

Finally, I found this picture in a National Geographic magazine.  I believe the small article was about shark skin, anyway I LOVE IT! I really enjoy the visuals from this.  I reminds me of chain mail.  I find the movement really interesting as well.

This is a carving I am currently working on, playing around with organic circles and possible tentacles. Also I am trying to work in some Turkey feathers.  Here is a 'in-progress' picture of the carving so far.

My current artist statement

My work explores the many varieties of anatomical structures within vertebrates and invertebrates.  By investigating the complex structures I allow myself freedom to play with it and change it to my specifications.  The metal is metaphorical for armor, which protects the more vulnerable insides.  I enjoy seeing how these organic structures function, and welcome the challenge of pounding, cutting and scraping a similar structure out of metal and wood.  These structures come more easily to me in their three-dimensional forms.  Furthermore, I also believe it is more entertaining for the viewer to be able to see and touch something.  I am enthralled with the sense of touch and I believe that the media I chose reflects that curiosity, for both metal and wood can have an array of different textures.  I also wish to address the many issues surrounding these natural structures, such as mortality, function and decay.

Finished a small side welding project, I've had on my mind since this summer.  I found a palm sized handsome rock that I have been meaning to integrate with a metal piece.  Finding inspiration from insects, specifically the woodlouse. I managed to create two forms, a large husky "shovel bug" and a smaller replica.  I feel that the larger form is much more successful than the mini replica.  I do plan to go forward with the vertebrae plan I just wanted to get a chance to play before I had to really concentrate and pay attention.

Here is a shot of the feet, I really like the movement they bring to the piece.  Gives the appearance of it actually crawling along the table.

This is a photo of the head, this was how I came up with the name of "Shovel Head".

This is a photo of the underbelly, I didn't notice until after I had welded the feet that this creature looked a lot like the woodlouse.  This angle I think gives the viewer a good idea of how complex this creature really is.  During this phase in it's creation I had to not only weld the plates together but I had to reinforce the connection by welding two thin slabs to the underside of the plates and then adding to more pieces of metal to again reinforce and act as a place to connect the feet.