SELF-PORTRAIT AVATAR
Text from Fictive Art-i-Facts Installation:
The Sentients are a very special class of object created in Thurmania. When not observed, they come to life. Imbued with their own will, they explore and interact with their environment. Like a genie and its lamp, they are closely tied to their vessel; they can never stray far from it since they need to instantly return to their frozen pose in the event of observation. Often manifesting their core emotions onto their vessel, they can’t help but express themselves showing each of their true natures. The Thurmanite is the source of their lifeforce, drawing their power from the perfectly lathe-turned symmetrical saucers or lids. In a special ritual, the painting of them brings them to life; the colors and painting approach in conjunction with their original form determining their nature and character.
As a playful exercise in the studio in 2024, I created this self-portrait including a variety of processes and materials that I was currently utilizing in my more involved (and serious) pieces. The Thurmanite head is my profile rotated 360 degrees on a lathe. Also included is fold-forming, metal spinning, machining, and roll printing. I believe it is essential to make time in your studio practice to play. Not always make work for specific outcomes but to freely engage with your inner child as a way to nourish your creative self.