Philosophical Sense

Making visual and philosophical sense are processes that go together in my head when I am sculpting. It begins with a simple idea that develops into a story. Creation and understanding join the journey. A piece is finished and a second one joins in telling its own story while joining in a greater story without casting a shadow on the first. They both have an important role to play. Then another piece joins the play, and another, until the collection is complete.

As I start putting together a new collection for the next exhibit I find myself staring at each piece making visual sense individually and collectively. There is a silent language, a quiet conversation between the sculptures and me. We communicate and understand without words. However, I like to articulate into words, better yet translate what I see into words. There is a story, a concept that joins them together. There is a greater message behind the union of two elements.

Art speaks by itself. Let art speak. My art speaks to me visually and intellectually, and it is my hope it does to people too. I’ve met artists who refuse to put their art into words. They claim that the visual should speak by itself and nothing else. They say that their art should speak for them. I respect their position. I like to write about it. I like to talk about it. It is so exciting. I am as passionate about making philosophical sense as much as creating art and making visual sense.