Artist Statement
My abstract sculptures are a combination of tree sections and granite boulders.
The trees are usually sugar maples from my Vermont property that have already died. I never cut down a living tree. Once I find an inspirational piece, either standing or fallen, I chain saw the section I want and ship it back to Chicago. There I remove the bark to reveal the beautiful golden color of the maple; often magically stained by years of weather. Extensive sanding is required, with applications of urethane or stain to protect the wood and bring out the right maple hue.
I mostly use Igneous Granite boulders and rocks, which can be found on nearly every continent on Earth. Granite rocks are among geology’s deepest and most intricate mysteries, and I’m always excited about the never-ending variety of shapes and colors that I discover.
Once I have the right section of wood, and an assortment of stones and boulders, I engage as many of my senses as possible while working on a piece. The smell of wood connects me to the tree’s origins. While my eyes assess the flow of shape and color, my hands assess the ‘feel’ of spatial relationships between all the pieces.
As I work, I listen to a piece of music that I feel passionate about, over and over, until all outside influences are gone and I’m able to blend the music with the forces of creation. Ultimately, the title of the tune becomes the title of the sculpture.
After listening to one piece of music hundreds of times, I experience an intense connection between myself, the music, the wood, and the granite boulders.