Exploration of the Elements
My most authentic and meditative form of expression occurs when I am working with primal and natural elements. Most recently I have been exploring sculpture on two fronts:
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- PERMANENT – A continued exploration and passion for large-format carvings in the round
- IMPERMANENT – A fascination with balance and minimalism; creating sculptures from field stones using nothing but gravity and logic to hold them together.
Decades of Sculpting
I picked up my first set of chisels in 1995 when I was in high school. The meditative process of revealing the form hidden inside a discarded tree trunk has become my source of passion and inspiration.
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PRIMAL ELEMENTS
Wood
Subtractive carvings in the round are produced out of a single tree trunk
Metal
Additive metal sculptures are fabricated from up-cycled materials
Stone
Temporary balanced stone sculpture gardens use stones from the immediate vicinity and gravity
Fire
Wood carvings are burned to achieve a black/silvery finish
Deep Cuts
In many of my recent pieces, all or part of the sculpture is seared with a torch. I got some of my inspiration from the Japanese exterior siding technique called Shou Sugi Ban (or Yakisugi) that preserves wood. The type of wood used traditionally is Sugi (Japanese Cyprus). The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil. Ever since I was a child, I was absolutely fascinated and enchanted by fire. It serves as an amazing compliment to many woods. Depending on the type of wood, oil, and technique used, different shades of reds, browns, blacks and silvers can be achieved.
Here are a few posts from my instagram showing the progress of the current piece in my studio.
Forward Motion , one of my smaller sculptures is on display at NYC Jewelers on Main Street in Westport . Stop by and take a look. While you're there, tell Morris the owner I said hello!
