“Female” (Clay)
Size: 60cm high
ABOUT THIS ARTWORK
Art as
in painting is what I have been doing for as long as I can remember. However it is not unusual for an artist to
try their hand at other art forms. I
would not call myself a sculptor, but have from time to time had a foray into
that field. The above piece was done
under the instruction of a master sculptor Janna Paneijer. I created a maquette in clay about the size
of my hand. It was from that small piece
that I fashioned this piece. I would not
have been able to achieve these proportions in clay without the guidance I
received from Janna. It stands 60cm high
and took 4 bags of clay.
The
British artist, critic, writer and broadcaster Mathew Collings has explored the
concept of beauty in art. He presents 10
characteristics which he says define beauty in art. They are briefly listed here:
Nature – A visual
essence that humans of all races are hardwired to respond;
Simplicity
- Symmetrical elegance of visual
communication;
Unity - The
parts all fit together and become one thing;
Transformation -.Imbues an
idea into a powerful symbolic form;
The
Surroundings of an artwork create atmosphere which contributes to
the beauty of the art piece;
Animation
is a power or liveliness that is contained within the artwork;
Surprise
to see the known so it can be
re-seen;
Pattern
Organizing visual experience so it gives pleasure to the eye;
Selection
- not random but finding
relationship that creates tension and freshness;
Spontaneity – Improvisation
makes up the personality of the artwork.
In Collings’s
video on “What is Beauty” these 10 principles are applied individually to 10
different works of art. The 10
principles are not needed to be collectively in each individual artwork.
It is
interesting to consider them when looking at abstract art because they do apply
cross culturally and abstract art is a non-verbal language that is understood
conceptually.
Artistic techniques used in the sculpture:
My paintings all favor a characteristic flatness and abstraction. I can paint a realistic portrait but
generally my paintings are distinct for their abstractness and flat planes of
rich colour. I feel that this
“signature” is carried over to my sculpture also. The above piece is titled “Female” and
encapsulates the essence of the feminine.
The form is abstract but undeniably symbolizes the female. Its simplicity and abstraction adds to its
strength and elegance. It is symmetrical
in shape and I think… beautiful.
What do you think?
