Artists Describing Their Art:
Skip Bleecker - Art Forms Most of my work consists of wheel thrown porcelain forms based on organic patterns of microscopic and macroscopic organisms. Some are based on seed pods, teeth, pollen, sea animals, squash, and even watermelon, but as the development proceeds, they merge and take on new forms of possible and imaginary organisms. All are hand made, one of a kind pieces, usually done in a series, so there might be some similarity among some pieces, but no two are ever exactly alike. Seed Pods For most of my life, I have been both attracted to and very allergic to, large numbers of trees, grasses, and bushes. I have refused to become trapped indoors just because of these allergies, and as I began to develop my own sculptural forms, I examined both macroscopic and microscopic forms in nature. By examining the form and structure of seeds and other natural objects, I found great beauty in these simple forms, and developed simple organic sculptural designs, based on slightly abstract versions of these natural objects. ...
Daniel Janssens - "It is the woman's beauty and mystery that have made me paint and sculpt in the first place." The artist, who previously painted only one human figure per painting, has recently begun to represent several figures, and these figures are no longer exclusively women. In sculpture also, the single human figures of the beginning are gradually replaced by intertwined figures, that go by two, by couple, or even by trio or quartet. "Previously, it was the individual that questioned me. Now, increasingly, I paint and sculpt attitudes and relationships." Painting and sculpture are based on different relationships: that between the sculptor-painter and his painting or sculpture, that between colors and shapes, that between the spectator and the work of art, and finally, the possible relationship between the different spectators. "However, I have not become a narrative artist, even if the spectator can invent stories about the human figures they see depicted." - But why only one subject? - Because the more one concentrates on one - and only one - subject, the deeper one can go, and the more style and technique can speak freely. If one always seeks to change subjects, it becomes difficult to specialize in it." It is the...
Claudia Beldent - "Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with quality" Born in Paris, France, Claudia Beldent grew up in a highly artistic and business oriented environment surrounded by painters, award-winning designers, as well as three generations of French Chefs. She emigrated to Montreal, Canada in the 60's, had an education focused on Language and Arts, studied in Business Administration leading her to join the family furniture manufacture and interior design company. Relocated in Miami and energized by its "shining tropical colors", Claudia took two years of extensive courses in ceramic technique before embarking on an artistic career in the mid 90's. Influenced by French masters such as Picasso, Matisse and Leger, she began to paint on "clay canvases". Her ceramics, vibrant in colors, animated in themes and intricate in details, are the result of the challenge of mastering ceramic painting with the complex skill of firing ceramics. The shape of a vase, the depth of a fired paint, the feeling and shine of a glaze are the reasons that moved the artist towards the ceramic world to channel her love for Art. Her expertise and constant drive for new venture...
Marie Weaver - In part because of my academic background I work in various mediums, but I focus primarily on ceramics. Im drawn to the physicality of natural materials and the process-oriented nature of clay. I respond to the creative and observational challenge of drawing in space as well as on the surfaces, the intellectual engagement of meeting technical and conceptual challenges that are as engaging as a puzzle, and the hazard of chance introduced both by the materials, the firing process, and ongoing inspiration. Vulnerability, protection, and strength are central concepts in my figurative work. Although a particular current event or passing interest may capture my attention and result in a piece, I have an ongoing concern with threats to our planet. ...
Avril Ward - Artist's statement. Creating has become an intricately woven part of my life. I must express nature, as it is my window to God. I must delight in the human body, a marvel that never ceases to amaze. I must express love and joy-this keeps them tangible in my life. I must trust my instincts and skills allowing them to lead me in the right direction. Most importantly: if my art can move a person to pause, think, smile, ponder, cry, laugh, be encouraged or give them hope, then I have served my purpose in life." To view a video about, my inspiration and work methods in sculpture please copy and paste the link to your browser.