All the components of my work: the centerpiece, box and frame are constructed entirely of wood. The centerpiece of the sculpture is usually a simple form inspired by animal forms, nature or religious and spiritual symbolisms. The centerpiece is carved wood finished with a number of different mediums. Usually I use acrylic paint, stains, powdered metals, coral, nails, stone, copper and iron wire and other materials. Acids are combined with the powdered metals to create various finishes. Often the centerpiece is mounted in a shadow box or on a three dimensional display. The frame is usually finished using powdered metal that is then oxidized.
Sometimes I am asked how long does it take for me to create one of my pieces? The answer I give might be a few days, a year or perhaps hours. For me the creation of a work of art is not limited to the time it takes to create the physical piece. The process of creation is a manifestation of a personÕs life experience. Often the process is a search, a search for something mystical, sacred, mysterious and personal. The search is what is most important and is continuous. The time from the point of concept to completion of a piece is different then the time it takes to create a piece. For me the process of creation is a culmination of works and involves many pieces of art.
The concept or spirit of a piece or series of work may come in a flash or might be drawn out slowly while working. Often the ideas or images are revealed to me during that semi-concise state between being sound asleep and fully awake. The initial vision is usually fleeting, like a glimpse of something at the edge of your vision. Once I have had a glimpse of the image my search begins. Through the creative process I find what I am looking for. I find it in the wood, the shape, the form and the texture. I find it in the color of the paint, the stone and the metal. I find it in all of these things.
I make an effort not to overwork a piece, to keep it simple. I want the work to be clean and un-cluttered. Often I stop work on a piece before I feel that it is completed. I do this to leave open the door to the next piece. I think of each piece as a link in a chain, each link being a step in the search. I think of the chain or all of the pieces as being the completed work.