A Community Event
During an on-site carving a whole community is able to witness the magic of the creative process and watch daily as images emerge from a raw block of stone. People start by coming once and find they return daily. It is a project which appeals to all ages and walks of life. Ultimately, the finished sculpture is Public Art into which the community is invesed, stories are told of its making, binding the people together in their shared experience. I enjoy working with the public, often incorporating some of their ideas. There is a sense of mystery until the image begins to emerge. During the refining stages, progress is rapid and changes can be seen daily. When at last the final touches are completed, the shared feeling is one of waking up from a dream to find the finished sculpture before you.
Another point of importance, and of pleasure, I have found in the sometimes months long process of this creation is that I often times am housed by members of the community. Often, as the work evolves I will find one or two, or maybe more, people who almost become part of the process, part of the team. They will stop by almost every day, especially if they work nearby. I have formed connections with other sculptors who may not have ever seen someone work in the manner I do, what I refer to as Profile Carving. Doing an onsite carving really makes me a member of the community that will live with the work after I am finished. It is a wonderful feeling.
Below are some of the onsite pieces that have resulted from these long, intimate periods. I am a lone artist. But, I am not alone. Part of me stays in these communities within the spirit of the works.
Another point of importance, and of pleasure, I have found in the sometimes months long process of this creation is that I often times am housed by members of the community. Often, as the work evolves I will find one or two, or maybe more, people who almost become part of the process, part of the team. They will stop by almost every day, especially if they work nearby. I have formed connections with other sculptors who may not have ever seen someone work in the manner I do, what I refer to as Profile Carving. Doing an onsite carving really makes me a member of the community that will live with the work after I am finished. It is a wonderful feeling.
Below are some of the onsite pieces that have resulted from these long, intimate periods. I am a lone artist. But, I am not alone. Part of me stays in these communities within the spirit of the works.
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At the still point of a turning world“Still Point of a Moving World,” speaks to the loneliness of waiting and was donated by patients of the Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas.
Temple, TX
1998 |
Simple Gifts “Simple Gifts,” was a community funded event, driven by community members and a urge to heal the community after a racial shooting.
Claremont, CA
2001 |
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Summit for Danny, 90 Days "90 Days / Summit for Danny,” honors the struggle against addiction and the efforts of those who help them.
Council for Alcoholism & Drug Addiction
Santa Barbara, CA 2005 |
Camden Horse“Camden Horse,” is public art for children to climb on and for people to interact with sculpture on a monumental scale.
Camden Monument
Fairfax, VA 2006 |
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Together We Can“Together We Can,” happened because the material was on hand and I had a strong allay with the city who agreed to house and feed me, et voila’
Yucca Valley, CA
2006 |
Three Ages of Women "3 Ages of Woman,” is my calling card in the village of Mendocino. It honors the many strong women I have known.
Mendocino Art Center
Mendocino, CA 2007 |
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Embracing the Community“Embracing the Community,” combined community participation with outreach to people with fewer advantages, for Social Services of Norwalk.
Norwalk, CA
2011 |
We Are One Family “We Are One Family,” describes an integrated society with many forms of love binding them together.
Ruben Castro Community Center
Moorpark, CA 2012 |
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