I use Ziran to describe my approach to sculpture because of my focus on simplicity. I like to use simple ingredients: branches, stones, and sand. Or simple concept (a circle) with a as few elements as possible. Nature is a fascinating, rich, and aesthetically appealing medium. I do not need to embellish it make it to make it interesting. Rather I simplify it to make it easier to appreciate.
When I approach a new location, I do not have a sculptural piece or form in mind. I meditate on the landcape and the elements with in it. I walk through it; take time to observe the shapes, colors, and textures; What associations form; What would work well together. The land influences me, as much as I direct it.
Ziran is a Chinese philosophical concept that describes the "primordial state" of nature, and is associated with spontaneity and creativity. To attain naturalness, one has to identify with the Tao (way of nature), by freeing oneself from selfishness and desire, and appreciating simplicity. Ziran is regarded as a central and basic value in Taoism.
Why?
Why do I create? Well, there is this internal pressure that drips on my mind everyday and builds up to maddening pressure if I ignore it. I must release this pressure by creating or expressing something. Ideas, connections, modification and insights hurl themselves into my head and I capture them on paper to refine and build on later. I find so much joy in a well crafted piece of work it reinforces the process.
I create to make forms, shapes, energies, and ideas flow from my mind to their medium in pleasing and interesting ways. I see some inspiration in a historical artifacts, shape in nature, or a doodle and work that form into something that flows and harmonizes. I am enchanted by the way one curve can flow into another and build a symphony of visual movement.
I use Ziran to describe my approach to sculpture because of my focus on simplicity. I like to use simple ingredients: branches, stones, and sand. Or simple concept (a circle) with a as few elements as possible. Nature is a fascinating, rich, and aesthetically appealing medium. I do not need to embellish it make it to make it interesting. Rather I simplify it to make it easier to appreciate.
When I approach a new location, I do not have a sculptural piece or form in mind. I meditate on the landcape and the elements with in it. I walk through it; take time to observe the shapes, colors, and textures; What associations form; What would work well together. The land influences me, as much as I direct it.
I have friends that do not understand the "artistic conversations" and that should not be a barrier to enjoying art. Through my interest in symbols I investigate them as a universal language and use symbols as subjects. I like to think of myself as a citizen of the world and research interesting forms from whichever culture and time they come from. The culture that influences me greatly are: Medeival N. Europe and Japan, Maouri, and Scythian.
I revel in taking dreams and imagination and making them real and believable. As a child my dearest wish was to visit the lands of fantasy books. James Gurney painted such realistic fantasy pictures, I could believe in their reality. Gurney has inspired me down the path of realist fantasy painting. My other greatest influence is Andy Goldsworhy. I am inspired by his intuitive and ephemeral works. I want to make work that follows the Dao of nature as he does.