Artist Statement: 3 Distinct Directions

Character Sculpture. My approach is to interpret the human form rather than mimic it. Stylistically, I work in either expressive realism or stylized abstraction.

My inspiration stems from a lifelong habit of 'people watching,' a fascination with human nature, and a curiosity about the narratives we carry. I transform off-the-cuff daily encounters—from grocery store observations to tabloid gossip—into character studies, tapping into utilitarian vocations like the line cook or taxidermist to reveal the unexpected triumphs, dreams, and anxieties that shape their worlds.

My creative process is a two-way street: I might see a face that immediately sparks an imagined backstory, or I might hear a story that creates a vivid image of the face that it belongs to. The 'ah-ha' moment for a character occurs when a face and a story collide.

These 'memoirs in clay' reveal the natural tension between the internal and external worlds.

In my process, I utilize a variety of clay bodies—from fine white porcelain to rich earth tones and textured, groggy clays—choosing each to enhance the unique qualities of a piece. My surface finishes result from extensive experimentation: I apply layers of kiln-fired glazes, rich inks, matte acrylics, and waxes through painting, sponging, and spraying. This layered approach provides depth and pulls out the emotional core of each work.

Anatomical Surrealism. This body of work explores the boundaries of the human form through intentional displacement, exaggeration, and distortion. By playfully challenging biological norms, these ‘remixed’ forms delve into the surreal through uncanny rearrangements of the figure.

Textured Vessels: Earth-Born Art for Modern Spaces. This collection is a study of the rhythms found in nature—the deep striations of a desert cliff, the weathered grain of petrified wood, and the raw textures of the earth. These handcrafted, sculptural statements celebrate the raw energy of the natural world through architectural, organic forms. I employ a "Block Lacing" technique of stacking and segmenting sliced clay blocks, creating a structural rhythm that mirrors the geological masonry of the earth itself. I look to elements like creeping moss, cooled lava, and volcanic stone to guide the finishes, enhancing the tactile look and feel of every piece. Find the one you love: odetoabode.com