34”x 21”x 17”, ceramic, metal, wood, foam and epoxy, 2014
24”x 22”x 22”, ceramic, 2009
20”x 35”x 18”, ceramic, 2008
34”x 21”x 17”, ceramic; soda fired, 2011
15”x 10”x 45”, ceramic, 2011
76.5”x 84”x 35”, ceramic, metal, wood, foam and epoxy, 2012
36”x 13”25”, ceramic, metal, wood, foam and epoxy, 2013
48”x 21”x 17”, ceramic, metal, wood, foam and epoxy, 2014
39”x 21”x 17", ceramic, metal, wood, foam and epoxy, 2014
34”x 21”x 17”, ceramic, metal, wood, foam and epoxy, 2014
Artist Statement
I sculpt beasts that tell stories.
If given only moments, my human-like animals are entertaining and often humorous. Lurking under this first impression is a larger conceptual epic with extensive social, political and personal themes.
Primarily ceramic, these themes start on a crude armature where proper anatomy is deliberately compromised for dynamic expression. Once sculpted, the figure is cut up, hollowed and reassembled. My creatures are then obsessively covered with hand carved images that add context to their adventures.
The antics of my unpolished herd reflect our society in ways that are uncomfortably familiar. Remembering childhood memories, re-evaluating our priorities as adults and even questioning our own mortality can all be realized through eye contact with a beast.
Laugh now, cry later and enjoy the show.
-- Brian Somerville