The Listener - In the original sketch, the figure had luminous hands. Adding a painting was my solution. 34 x 22 x 13 in - Mixed media with acrylic on paper.
Several years ago, I created "The Listener," a sculpture paired with a painting. The Rothko-like background emphasized the aura around the hands, which I initially thought was the most compelling element of the piece. A few months later, though, it was the face that held my interest more than the hands. So I decided to expand it by creating a mask.
"Patience" was my first mask. Once I experienced it life-size, my relationship to it changed entirely. At human scale, its returning gaze was far more powerful than its impact at only a few inches tall.
Patience - The head of "The Listener," recreated life-size with a few modifications to sharpen its impact.
30 x 26 x 4.5 in — Mixed media
Truth Be Told - Ultimately, nothing obscures the truth — not even our own biases or illusions.
39 x 39 x 9.5 in — Mixed media
A little research quickly revealed how important masks have been across cultures and throughout history, with a variety of styles, materials, purposes, and accompanying narratives. That was several years ago. Since then, I've created more than 40 masks. Some, like my first, are expanded-scale versions of existing sculptures. Others are entirely unique.
Challenged by several collectors, I eventually created a few masks at an even larger scale, some nearly four feet tall. The impact, again, exceeded my expectations. At human scale, a mask stares back at you. At super-size, it becomes a mythic entity.
Through this journey, my appreciation for masks has deepened considerably. It's an extraordinarily personal and expressive art form. A mask can disguise the wearer — or it can amplify a particular quality or aspiration. I'm drawn to the latter. Each mask becomes a living character, its presence inviting viewers into a narrative. The act of creating it is an act of discovery. As the essence of the mask emerges, the materials transform into a character staring back at you. And inevitably, a conversation begins.
If this process resonates, join me as I explain this evolution from first sketch to super-scale. I will be delivering a talk at Toriizaka Art in Sisters, Oregon on Friday, August 28th. Come be part of the conversation. Contact me for details.