A Tale of Two Sculptures

Last year during one of my shows, I observed a lady coming in to look at the artwork as I was talking to someone else. After looking at all the sculptures, she came back to Abased. She stood there for a while. Then she moved towards Freedom and stood there for a while. She went back to Abased, then back to Freedom. I observed while this continued for several minutes.

abased freedom

Abased & Freedom

Done with my conversation I approached the lady and introduced myself. I mentioned I was observing her going back and forth between the two sculptures. She mentioned how the sculptures were almost talking to her in a way she could not understand or articulate. I told the lady the definition of Abased (belittled or degraded). Instantly the conversation took an interesting turn. She said:

“That explains a lot. This is how my husband makes me feel (pointing at Abased) but I want to feel like that (turning and pointing at Freedom).”

Without saying another word, she turned away and left. I was stunned and honestly wished she stayed around longer. I was curious to find out more about what the sculptures were saying (figuratively speaking). Still, three things were clear during this short interaction. First, art has the power to speak to people. People can find a connection in art that generates a silent conversation with the soul, the logic, and the senses. No words are necessary for this connection.

On the other hand, some people need some help when they try to articulate that connection; when they try to understand what they see, what they feel, and what they perceive. While it is not necessary to explain some people seek for a deeper understanding, a hint, a spark that provides and explanation they can ponder. Again, it would be better for art never to be explained. Nevertheless, some people want to express their connection. That cannot be denied. Otherwise, we might be shutting down their interest and a great opportunity to provoke consciousness.

[Read also: How to Explain your Art & Artists are Communicators]

That takes me to the third point: expressing the connection could be the first step towards healing. Too bad the encounter was cut short. When someone understands their internal situation (and sometimes external) through art, and consciously expresses that revelation, healing is possible. Articulating what no words can explain (which not necessarily is a contradiction) could transform a life, and that is one of the most rewarding achievements of art.

[Read also: Art Changing Lives]

Comments (17)

  1. La Rue Alegria

    Beautifully executed works, oh how I can I. D…the human condition…

    Freedom reminds me of how it feels when I connect with truth.
    Knowing that truth and truly feeling that freedom for knowing the truth sits me free like a freedom!

    Thank you for sharing!

    La Rue

  2. Wonderful expressive sculptures. Inspires me to follow my dream of leaving the 2-D scene & becoming the sculptor that I was meant to be.
    I have found it is good, but brave to observe & listen to the comments of your public.,,,,,,,,when they are not aware of your presence.

    • Thank you so much, Judi. I am glad there are people who support, follow, and appreciate what we do with so much effort and sacrifice each day. I would love to see what you create. Let the sculptor raise!

      • Hi Dr. Ivan,
        Thank you for the vote of confidence. Your work inspires us fledgling sculptors to break free. I compare your two sculptures to that state of mind.
        I am a professional 2-D artist known for a certain type of art so feel compelled to continue on that expected, predictable path. My heart aches for a more fulfilling creative outlet. Seeing your work makes that yearning almost unbearable. That has to be the ultimate in compliments.

        • Your work is amazing! You could try to incorporate your line of work in sculpture. It would be perfect in reliefs.

          Thank you so much.

  3. As a short comment I would say that (visual) art is communication without words. Communication expressed by art goes beyond words, it is expressing feelings, emotions, belief, those things that cannot be described in analytical terms. In my sculptures too (see http://www.soniakees.nl) I try to express those feelings, sometimes with the body language of human characters, sometimes in abstract shapes. Sometimes such expressions have to be explained with words, for those people that do not directly understand the language of art, but explanations – though helpful – are always insufficient.

  4. Thank you so much Dr. Ivan.
    Doing a relief of one of my 2-D images would be a gentle stepping stone into the intriguing world of clay.
    Thank you so much. You have no idea how you have helped me.
    I look forward to following your creative journey.

  5. Pingback: Speaking On Art #12 | THE PAINTER'S TONGUE

  6. ruth henare

    very inspiring to look at visually-has beautiful aesthetic qualities I wish to work to myself ………..

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