passages, 1995, Webster Galleries, Calgary.
When I began working on this show, I wanted the human figure to be the dominant element. I also thought it would be interesting if the figures were mounted on bases that might impart extra meaning to each piece. Some are simple bases, but others are boxes with carved images in their sides, or boat shapes.
But I had no idea of a theme, which, as I’d hoped, gradually emerged as I worked. It seemed to be about the ephemerality of life, involving time, journeying, perhaps even moving on to other dimensions, therefore, I titled it, ‘passages’.
When I create sculpture, I rely on instinct and experience – intuition and practicality. The physical qualities of clay also impart both material and emotive effects. Form, colour, texture, weight, all combine to express something if the piece is to be successful.
Technical notes: The wrappings on some of the figures were made by dipping cheesecloth in a slip or engobe and applying it to the raw or bisqued clay. Sometimes thin layers of glaze were also sprayed over the cloth for colour or more texture. Some pieces had to be fired (cone 04 mainly) several times to stabilize the surface textures. The pitted surfaces in some of the bases were clay embedded with perlite, which melts out in the firing.
muse, 1995, clay 21 cm h (incl. base) figure glazed, base iron rubbed
muse, 1995, clay 21 cm h (incl. base) figure glazed, base iron rubbed
retreat, 1995, clay 27 cm h (incl. base), figure unglazed, it and base iron rubbed
retreat, 1995, clay 27 cm h (incl. base). Life is hard for some.
between, 1995, clay, figure 43 cm long, unglazed, base glazed, ∆02
between, back, 1995, clay, figure 43 cm long, unglazed, base glazed, ∆02
moving toward the light, 1995, clay, slip-soaked cloth 44 cm h, some glaze, base iron rubbed
moving toward the light, 1995. I was trying to evince the ecstasy of positive meditation.
waiting, 1995, clay, slip-soaked cloth, 50 cm h (inc. base), 52 cm long, thin glaze
journey, 1995, clay, slip-soaked cloth, figure 79 cm long, thin glaze on figure and base, ∆02
Note that the image on the base depicts a battle between a fish and a snake. On this side, the fish is winning.
journey, left, 1995, clay, slip-soaked cloth, figure 79 cm long, thin glaze on figure and base, ∆02
Here the snake is dominating.
An earlier version of the base, which cracked in the firing. The images were formed by pressing on the inside while the clay was still malleable and adding details on the outside.
crossing, 1995, figure in boat, clay and slip wrapping. Boat 69 cm long. Fired to ∆04.
crossing, detail, 1995, I was thinking of the River Styx.
boat, 1995, clay, figure with slip-soaked cloth, boat 68 cm long, unglazed, ∆02
boat, detail, 1995, 72 cm long, clay, slip-soaked cloth 44 cm h, some glaze, base iron rubbed.
butterfly dreamer, 1995, clay, figure with slip-soaked cloth, 79 cm long, thin glaze sprayed, ∆04
butterfly dreamer, detail, 1995, clay, figure with slip-soaked cloth, 79 cm long, thin glaze sprayed, ∆04
butterfly dreamer, back, 1995, clay, figure with slip-soaked cloth, 79 cm long, thin glaze sprayed, ∆04
Butterfly carved on back of base.
butterfly dreamer, left side, 1995. The base had carving only on the back.
birdman, front, 1995, clay, figure with slip-soaked cloth, 125 cm high on base, thin glaze sprayed, ∆04
birdman, right side, 1995. The base, with a matt black glaze, had a design of bird wings.
