The name michael s. bud is written in black on a white background.
A B O U T  M ICHAEL

Subtractive sculpture is complete when there is nothing left to take away

The Elements

My most authentic and meditative form of expression occurs when I am working with primal and natural elements.

My continued exploration of carvings in the round have been recently joined by a fascination with balance and minimalism, creating sculptures from field stones using nothing but gravity to hold them together.

The collection of “man-sized” wood carving is driven and inspired by the tree's grain and its representation of the earth’s beauty and emotion. In this series, I focus on subtractive spatial exploration using open form, clean lines, and a strong finish. I employ two strong dynamics. First, the delicate balance of wood and fire. Second, the relationship between positive and negative space. This often includes utilizing natural veins and cracks from the drying process, and the charred or stained remains of the finished positive form. 

The subtractive sculptures are carved from a single piece of hardwood like Cherry, Walnut, Ash, Maple, or Oak; usually a portion of the trunk with some or all of the bark still on it. The early pieces are sealed with paint, enamel and/or stain. The latest ones are treated with oils and seared by a torch. 

Out of all of the hardwoods I have worked with, Cherry has become my favorite.  It is strong but very workable, and the saw dust has a sweet flavor and aroma to it, like a cherry!
See Projects

PRIMAL ELEMENTS

MINIMALISM

 MEDITATIVE FOCUS

The Concept

Abstract sculpture is a physical representation of a feeling or an emotion.

I was born in the Chinese year of the snake and often find snakes are a recurring theme in my artwork. Thematically, my sculptures are often abstract portraits of the inner psyche or a twisted interpretation of reality. In some cases, they are inspired by specific aspects of the human experience: The Serpentine Man reflects on self-image and Dichotomy explores the balance between mates. Regardless, they all offer viewers the opportunity to reflect, explore and stimulate inner primitive emotions through simple forms and the primal elements. 

Balance sculptures are a meditative exploration of patience and concentration

The impermanence of balanced stone sculptures is the opposite of a finished piece of art. The sculpture gardens are temporary and seasonal.  One garden, created along a pathway of a hiking trail was destroyed by patrons of the trail. Other, more secluded gardens have stone stacks that withstood several years and all the seasonal changes.  
See Projects
A pile of rocks stacked on top of each other on a tree stump in the woods.
A wooden sculpture of a man 's head with a crown on it

About Michael S. Bud

Born and raised in Connecticut, Michael found his passion for creating subtractive wood sculptures in 1994. While attending King & Low Heywood Thomas High School in Stamford, he picked up his first set of chisels and began to carve.  His art teacher, Chuck Wilcoxen, inspired and encouraged Michael to develop his artistic talents. 


While attending Drew University, he was lucky enough to learn a true love for the sculpture form under the guidance of Deborah Ascheim, an American New Media artist. He went on to study Studio Art at SUNY New Paltz where he began carving a large trunk of Ash into the Serpentine Man.


Michael continues to have a passion for working in hardwood but occasionally ventures into other mediums.  His recent works range in size from small tabletop pieces to his signature, abstract 8' tall large format organic open forms.


In 2002 Michael founded Square Squared, a web development, advertising, and marketing agency in Fairfield County, Connecticut where he is the Owner and Creative Director.  He  is a trail steward for Aspetuck Land Trust, which gives him time to observe and enjoy nature. He serves as producer co-host of Kids Are Talking, a weekly teen-focused talkshow livestream about mental health. Hi is also webmaster for Jazz Society of Fairfield County.

Share by: