Artist Statement

The sculptures in this body of work are processed based. The process of casting aluminum and iron are integrated with wood and fabricated steel in a series of technical experiments. Through these experiments I focus on understanding the process of casting metals its possibilities, pitfalls and limitations. The works in iron use non-traditional mold making techniques that integrate wood, plastic and cardboard into the process to capture the reactive nature of these combustible materials. The solid form is a direct result the pyrotechnic reaction that takes place during the casting process.

The resulting sculptures are a collection of simple forms with surface textures that result from the molten iron reacting with the materials contained within the mold. The change in the physical characteristics of the materials as they react with the molten iron and becomes violent through the process result in highly textured surfaces unique to each material included in the process. All of the flaws and imperfections that become prevalent in the final work are left exposed reflecting on the experience of creation and the nature of the material for discovery by the observer.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009