“The most everyday object is a vessel; a vehicle of my thoughts.” —Pablo Picasso

If I have learned one thing during my two years at Marywood, it is that as a sculptor, I am also an object-maker. It is very important as both an artist and sculptor to know when to stop making sculptures and to begin making objects. Creating simply to create is a freeing act and thus will bring forth better art. And besides, what is a sculpture if not a collection of meager objects?

When I work in the studio I am constantly on a quest to increase the amount of materials and elements that can be used in one of my sculptures. If I enjoy a shape, I mold it and then cast it for later use. I do the same with colors, patina, and various design elements. Each individual object I create is compared to in progress sculptures and can end up anywhere. A new application can finish a sculpture, add to a past work, or even begin a new edition of work.

This process brings about the importance of studio findings. Any past element or neglected project can become a crucial role in a new venture or bring about fresh creativity. A casting of a figure can become a handle for a tool. A carving can take on new life with a variation in finish. An old bronze can develop a patina that now makes sense somewhere else. Everything, both past and present, plays a huge role in art. Object making is one of the most important things a sculptor can do. You free yourself from a preconceived concept and begin to create directly from your own desire. Once you tap into this potential I promise you will find that the art that you produce will become much more cohesive and something wonderfully personal.